Erik ten Hag has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo 'let the team down, and he let me down' during his second spell at Manchester United. These remarks from the former manager emerge as the team, currently led by interim coach Michael Carrick, is on a poor run of form ahead of an important European fixture.
Ten Hag was dismissed by United after a three-year period that featured domestic cup successes but was also defined by a very public dispute with Ronaldo. The Portuguese star conducted an interview where he expressed feeling 'betrayed' by United and a lack of respect for Ten Hag, leading to a mutual termination of his contract not long after. "I flew out to Portugal to speak with him about what I was aiming for before I came to United," Ten Hag said. "He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him."
A fractured relationship
Ronaldo rejoined United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. When Ten Hag assumed control, their rapport soured rapidly. Ten Hag omitted Ronaldo from a league match after the player declined to enter a previous game as a substitute. During Ten Hag's management, Ronaldo found the net only a few times before leaving the club. The coach pointed to a lack of goals as the primary problem throughout his time there and believed the club's leadership failed to deliver on assurances. He had expressed interest in acquiring several players and objected to one squad member's sale.
Carrick seeks stability
Michael Carrick, the present temporary manager, must now bring calm. He mentioned having positive relations throughout the organization and sensing backing from the directors. His most pressing job is clear. United have failed to win in several consecutive matches in all tournaments, a sequence containing a draw with Leeds and a European loss to Atletico Madrid. Their league position is low, with a modest points total from their opening games, trailing the top team by a significant margin.
The team's schedule highlights a crucial upcoming home match against Bournemouth. Their opponents are also near the bottom, presenting a critical chance for Carrick's team to stop their decline. Prior to that, United have a Champions League away game against Como, which is essential to avoid defeat. The legacy of previous disputes, such as that between Ten Hag and Ronaldo, hangs over a group that needs to rediscover cohesion and positive outcomes.
The report in full is at BBC Sport Football
