Cristiano Ronaldo once again expressed criticism this week regarding Erik ten Hag's methods. The Manchester United manager acknowledged the Portuguese forward's comments, saying, "Everyone is entitled to their opinion."
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In recent weeks, Cristiano Ronaldo has once again made headlines with his criticism of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, suggesting that the Dutchman should heed the advice of another former United star, Ruud van Nistelrooij.
Ronaldo’s comments, particularly given his stature in the football world and his significant legacy at Manchester United, have sparked interest and debate. Yet, Ten Hag, known for his composed and methodical approach, was not rattled by the remarks. When asked about Ronaldo’s advice ahead of United’s upcoming match against Southampton, Ten Hag responded calmly: "He is in Saudi Arabia, far away from Manchester. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, that's fine."
This response was typical of Ten Hag, who has displayed a measured approach in dealing with the media and external pressures since taking the reins at Old Trafford. The 54-year-old coach from Haaksbergen has faced numerous challenges during his tenure, not least the difficult departure of Ronaldo from the club in late 2022. The split was marked by tension, as Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with his reduced role under Ten Hag culminated in his controversial interview criticizing the club and the manager. Eventually, this led to Ronaldo’s exit and his subsequent move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, a shift that marked the end of a turbulent second spell at Manchester United.
Despite the public fallout, Ten Hag has remained steadfast in his focus on rebuilding United. Since Ronaldo's departure, the manager has been keen to instill a sense of unity and direction within the squad, emphasizing discipline and long-term planning over short-term fixes. Ronaldo’s latest comments, therefore, seem to be more of a reflection on the lingering narratives surrounding his exit rather than an indictment of Ten Hag’s strategy.
When pressed further on Ronaldo’s remarks, Ten Hag reiterated his broader vision for the team. "We'll see where we stand in May," he stated, signaling his belief that it is premature to judge the team's progress just a few matches into the season. "It's still very early in the season. Ultimately, it's about winning trophies, finishing as high as possible in the league, and doing everything to win every game. Then we’ll see."
This forward-looking perspective from Ten Hag underscores his commitment to long-term goals rather than being swayed by short-term criticisms. For the Dutch manager, success at a club as historically significant as Manchester United is measured in silverware, and he has remained focused on guiding the club back to the upper echelons of English and European football. However, the journey has not been without its bumps, and the current Premier League campaign has been a mixed bag for United thus far.
The team started the season on a positive note with a victory against Fulham, but this momentum was quickly halted by consecutive defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool. These losses have raised questions about the team’s consistency and ability to compete with the top teams in the Premier League. Brighton, a team with a more modest budget but a clear identity under their manager, have become something of a bogey team for United in recent seasons, while the defeat to Liverpool highlighted the gap between United and their traditional rivals at the top of the table.
As United prepares to face Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium, Ten Hag will be looking to get his team back on track. Southampton, struggling to find form in the early stages of the season, is still searching for their first point. While on paper United might be the favorites, their recent inconsistencies mean Ten Hag cannot afford to take the fixture lightly. Southampton, despite their poor start, can still pose a threat, especially as a team hungry to kickstart their campaign.
For Manchester United, the match against Southampton represents an opportunity to regain momentum and rebuild confidence within the squad. After two disappointing results, there is pressure on the players to deliver, particularly as the club is expected to challenge for a top-four finish and qualify for the Champions League. Ten Hag has made it clear that he is focused on achieving those goals, with the understanding that the season is long and full of challenges. But each setback, whether it be criticism from former players like Ronaldo or defeats on the pitch, serves as a reminder that the path to success is never straightforward.
Off the pitch, Ten Hag is also navigating the high expectations that come with managing one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs. Manchester United’s global fan base is demanding, and there is little patience for underachievement. Ronaldo’s legacy at the club, coupled with his global profile, ensures that his words carry weight. However, Ten Hag’s calm handling of the situation reflects his confidence in the direction he is taking the team. He has made it clear that he is not distracted by outside opinions, especially those from individuals no longer involved with the club.
As the season progresses, much of the attention will be on how Manchester United responds to the challenges ahead. Ten Hag’s team is still a work in progress, with new signings bedding in and key players finding their form. The manager has brought in players who fit his vision, and his tactical approach is gradually taking shape. However, the pressure to deliver results, especially in the highly competitive environment of the Premier League, remains immense.
With Southampton waiting on the horizon, Ten Hag knows that a win could provide the spark United needs to reignite their campaign. At the same time, he is keenly aware that the season will be judged by the trophies won and the consistency of performances over time. His message remains clear: while early-season setbacks may attract criticism, the true evaluation will come at the end of the season when the trophies are handed out.
Ten Hag’s response to Ronaldo’s comments, therefore, serves as a reminder that while opinions will always swirl around high-profile managers and clubs, the only measure of success that truly matters in football is what is achieved on the pitch. The journey from now until May will determine whether Ten Hag’s Manchester United can rise to the challenge and meet the lofty expectations placed upon them.
Updated: 05:40, 12 Sep 2024
