Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has shot back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent criticism, implying that the Portuguese star is out of touch with the team’s current situation.
In a subtle yet scathing response, Ten Hag suggested that Ronaldo’s distance from Manchester has clouded his judgment.
Ronaldo had previously questioned Ten Hag’s ambition, stating that the manager should not dismiss the possibility of winning the Premier League or Champions League titles.
However, Ten Hag has turned the tables, claiming that it was Ronaldo himself who expressed doubts about United’s chances of securing the Premier League title.
By saying Ronaldo is “far away from Manchester,” Ten Hag is hinting that the forward’s physical and emotional distance from the team has led to a disconnect from the reality of the situation.
“He said that; That Manchester United can’t win the Premier League,” Ten Hag said.
“He said this. If you read the article very well. He is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester so everyone can have an opinion and is entitled to have an opinion. It is OK.”
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Ten Hag is under pressure ahead of the trip to Southampton on Saturday following the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break.
CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth have both publicly backed the Dutchman.
But that hasn’t stopped speculation that the former Ajax boss could be replaced at Old Trafford just months after his contract was extended until 2026.
“It doesn’t impact me,” Ten Hag said. “I know in the process where we are, where we’re going.
We’re in the transition period, we have to integrate a lot of young players in the team.
“We have to bring the injuries back into the team. Before anyone thinks about excuses, we have to win every game, I know that. The team knows this.
We will focus on every game and have the mindset we have to win.”
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Luke Shaw and Rasmus Højlund will miss Saturday’s Premier League match against Southampton due to ongoing injury recovery,
while new signing Manuel Ugarte may make his debut after rejoining the team from international duty on Thursday.
