Cristiano Ronaldo Criticizes Manchester United Boss Erik ten Hag’s Attitude in Brutal Slam, Advises Him to ‘Listen to’ Ruud van Nistelrooy

In a shocking turn of events, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly issued a stinging criticism of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, advising him to change his attitude and offering a piece of striking advice—“listen to” former United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The explosive comments from Ronaldo come amidst continued turbulence between the Portuguese star and the Premier League giants. The tension between the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and Ten Hag has been widely reported over the last year, and Ronaldo’s latest statements highlight the ongoing friction.

During an interview with a trusted media outlet, Ronaldo pulled no punches, accusing Ten Hag of having an attitude problem that has had a negative effect on Manchester United’s performances and dressing room morale. Ronaldo, who left Manchester United in 2022 after a highly publicized fallout with Ten Hag, did not hold back when discussing the root of the club’s recent struggles.

“Erik [ten Hag] is a good coach, but he needs to understand that Manchester United is bigger than any one person. He needs to change his attitude and stop being so stubborn,” Ronaldo reportedly said during the interview. “His ego is getting in the way, and it’s affecting the team. There’s a difference between being disciplined and being arrogant. He needs to listen more and let the players express themselves on the pitch.”

Ronaldo’s comments point to long-standing frustrations he felt while playing under Ten Hag’s leadership, particularly concerning the Dutchman’s management style, which has been described by some as strict and uncompromising. Ronaldo’s critique echoes earlier statements in which he questioned the direction of the club under Ten Hag’s tenure.

The tensions between Ronaldo and Ten Hag reached a boiling point during the 2022-2023 season. Ronaldo was benched multiple times during crucial matches, which led to public frustration and a reported dressing room rift. After Ronaldo expressed his dissatisfaction in a controversial interview with Piers Morgan in late 2022, the Portuguese superstar parted ways with the club by mutual consent shortly before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Despite Ronaldo’s departure to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, it appears the bitterness of his relationship with Ten Hag still lingers. Many football pundits and fans have weighed in on the fallout, with some supporting Ronaldo’s criticisms while others believe Ten Hag’s no-nonsense approach is what the club needs to rebuild.

Ten Hag has largely kept quiet on the specifics of the fallout but has alluded to maintaining the highest standards of discipline within the squad. In a post-match interview earlier this year, Ten Hag said, “The team comes first, and every player, no matter their status, must respect that. It’s about the club and the team, not the individual.”

In a surprising twist, Ronaldo went on to advise Ten Hag to take lessons from Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former Manchester United striker and current manager of PSV Eindhoven. Van Nistelrooy is one of the most revered forwards in United’s history, known for his exceptional goal-scoring record during his time at Old Trafford.

“Ruud [van Nistelrooy] is someone Erik should listen to. He knows what it takes to succeed at Manchester United, and he understands how to manage top players while keeping the team dynamic strong,” Ronaldo suggested. “If Erik can learn from someone like Ruud, it would benefit the club massively. Ruud is someone who always had the respect of the dressing room because he knows the balance between authority and freedom.”

Van Nistelrooy, now excelling in his managerial career in the Netherlands, is praised for his tactical acumen and ability to connect with players. Ronaldo’s admiration for his former teammate may be a subtle reminder to Ten Hag that while discipline is important, a softer touch and better communication can also be key in managing a team filled with high-profile players.

MAKE MONEY ONLINE

Manchester United has endured a mixed campaign under Ten Hag, with performances oscillating between promise and disappointment. After a strong start to his tenure, the Red Devils have struggled to maintain consistency, and there have been reports of unrest within the squad regarding Ten Hag’s tactical approach.

With high-profile signings like Rasmus Højlund, Mason Mount, and Andre Onana, expectations were high for the 2023-2024 season. However, the team’s inconsistent performances in both the Premier League and Europe have raised questions about Ten Hag’s long-term vision for the club.

Ronaldo’s criticisms only add fuel to the fire, with fans and commentators divided over whether Ten Hag’s methods are suitable for a club of United’s stature. While some have praised the Dutchman for instilling discipline and improving the team’s work rate, others have echoed Ronaldo’s sentiments, calling for a more player-friendly approach.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has yet to comment publicly on Ronaldo’s latest remarks. As a former United star who was a central figure under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Van Nistelrooy’s perspective carries weight, and his potential influence on Ten Hag’s managerial style is an intriguing prospect.

During his own time at United, Van Nistelrooy enjoyed immense success, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances for the club. Now managing PSV Eindhoven, he has been credited with fostering an environment where players can thrive, thanks to his balanced approach to management.

As Manchester United continues its journey under Erik ten Hag’s leadership, Ronaldo’s critique serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to lead a club of this magnitude. Whether Ten Hag chooses to take Ronaldo’s advice seriously or stays the course remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the weight of expectations at Manchester United is immense.

The club’s rich history, combined with the pressure to return to former glory, ensures that any manager at Old Trafford will face scrutiny from both fans and former players alike. As the Red Devils look to salvage their season and improve their performances on the pitch, the world will be watching to see how Ten Hag navigates this challenging period.