Ronaldo criticism rejected by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who remains unfazed by the Portuguese star’s comments on the club’s ambition. In a recent podcast with former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo expressed his disappointment with ten Hag’s pre-season interview, where the manager stated that the team was “a long way away” from winning the Premier League. While Ronaldo agreed that the club might not win the championship, he felt that ten Hag’s comments were sending the wrong message.
Ten Hag, however, seems unbothered by Ronaldo’s criticism, saying that the veteran forward had simply re-iterated what he had already said. The Dutch manager believes that Ronaldo is entitled to his opinion, and that it’s acceptable for him to express his thoughts. With the team facing a tough trip to Southampton, ten Hag is focusing on the task at hand, rather than getting caught up in the outside noise.
Manchester United’s Rocky Start to the Season
Manchester United’s 2023-2024 season has gotten off to a rocky start, with back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool. The team is facing a crucial test against Southampton, where a loss would condemn them to their worst start since the 1986-1987 season. That season saw Ron Atkinson sacked, and Sir Alex Ferguson take over, marking a turning point in the club’s history. While ten Hag is under pressure to deliver results, he remains confident in his team’s abilities.
Ten Hag has also had to deal with injuries to key players, including full-back Luke Shaw and striker Rasmus Hojlund. Shaw has not featured for the club this season, despite making three appearances for England during Euro 2024. Hojlund, meanwhile, is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the summer tour of the United States. New signing Manuel Ugarte is fit and ready to go, although he only returned from international duty on Thursday.
Erik ten Hag on the Outside Noise
Ten Hag has been under fire from outside observers, with many predicting that he won’t survive the entire season. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is starting to make his presence felt, and there are rumors that ten Hag’s job is on the line. However, the 54-year-old manager remains unfazed by the outside noise, saying that it doesn’t impact his work.
“I know where we are in the process and what we have to do and where we are going,” ten Hag said. “I have said before we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players in the team and still have to deal with injuries and bring players back into the team.
Transition Period
Ten Hag has consistently said that the team is still in a transition period, and that it will take time for the players to gel. While the outside noise may be intense, the manager is focused on the task at hand, rather than worrying about his job security.
Importance of Winning
Ten Hag knows that the team needs to start winning games, and that there can be no excuses. “Before anyone thinks about excuses, no, we have to win every game,” he said. “I know that. The team knows that. It doesn’t matter who is available.”
Players’ Mindset
The Manchester United players are also aware of the need to start winning games. While the team has faced a tough start to the season, the players are determined to turn things around. With a crucial game against Southampton on the horizon, the players will need to be focused and motivated to get the three points.
Ronaldo’s Comments in Context
Ronaldo’s comments on the podcast with Rio Ferdinand should be seen in context. The Portuguese star has always been a high achiever, and his criticism of ten Hag’s comments is likely a reflection of his own high standards. While ten Hag may not have been impressed by Ronaldo’s comments, he is not letting it affect his work.
In fact, ten Hag has said that Ronaldo’s comments are not a new revelation. “He said this, if you read the article very well,” ten Hag said. “He is entitled to his opinion. It’s OK. He is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester.”
Ten Hag’s response to Ronaldo’s comments is a reflection of the manager’s calm and measured approach. While the outside noise may be intense, the manager is focused on the task at hand, and is not letting it affect his work. As the team faces a crucial game against Southampton, ten Hag’s calm and measured approach will be crucial in getting the three points.
Manchester United fans will be watching the game against Southampton with great interest, as the team looks to turn their season around. While the start to the season has been rocky, the team has the talent and the ability to get back on track. With ten Hag’s calm and measured approach, the team will be looking to get the three points and start their journey back up the table.