Manchester United Star Alejandro Garnacho “Likes” Cristiano Ronaldo’s Criticism of Erik ten Hag
Manchester United Star Alejandro Garnacho “Likes” Cristiano Ronaldo’s Criticism of Erik ten Hag
Manchester United’s young sensation Alejandro Garnacho has found himself at the center of a social media storm after “liking” a post containing Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent criticism of United manager Erik ten Hag. This unexpected move has ignited discussions across the footballing world, with fans and pundits alike debating the implications of Garnacho’s public interaction with the controversial comments made by Ronaldo.
The incident highlights a continuing tension between Ronaldo, who left Manchester United in November 2022 following a much-publicized fallout with Ten Hag, and his former club. Now, Garnacho’s involvement adds a fresh layer of intrigue, raising questions about the player’s relationship with Ten Hag and the wider dressing room dynamics at Old Trafford.
The controversy began when Cristiano Ronaldo, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, gave an interview in which he openly criticized Erik ten Hag’s management style. Ronaldo, in his usual candid manner, took aim at Ten Hag’s handling of player relations, his tactical approach, and his overall demeanor, suggesting that the Dutchman’s attitude towards certain players was damaging the team’s morale.
During the interview, Ronaldo stated, “Ten Hag needs to listen more to the players, especially those with experience. He’s too rigid in his approach, and that kind of attitude doesn’t work in modern football.” The five-time Ballon d’Or winner further advised Ten Hag to take cues from the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy (RvN), who now manages PSV Eindhoven, and to learn how to build stronger relationships with his players.
Ronaldo’s comments were widely reported in the media and quickly became a talking point among Manchester United fans, many of whom were split on whether they agreed with the Portuguese legend’s assessment of Ten Hag’s leadership.
The situation escalated when Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United’s 19-year-old Argentine winger, “liked” a social media post featuring Ronaldo’s quotes criticizing Ten Hag. The “like” was quickly spotted by fans and media outlets, and it didn’t take long for screenshots to circulate online, leading to speculation about Garnacho’s own stance on Ten Hag’s management.
Garnacho, who has previously spoken of his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, has often been viewed as one of the Portuguese star’s protégés during Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford. The teenager shared several moments with Ronaldo both on and off the pitch, and his social media accounts frequently showcased his admiration for the football icon.
While it is not unusual for players to interact with posts related to former teammates, Garnacho’s public endorsement of Ronaldo’s criticism of his current manager is being interpreted by many as a sign of potential discontent within the Manchester United dressing room.
The “like” from Garnacho has raised concerns about possible friction between Ten Hag and his squad, particularly among younger players who may have developed a bond with Ronaldo during his time at the club. The Argentine forward’s action has prompted discussions about whether certain players at United, including Garnacho, share Ronaldo’s sentiments about Ten Hag’s managerial style.
Reports suggest that Ten Hag is a firm but fair manager who emphasizes discipline and a strong work ethic. Since taking over at United, Ten Hag has implemented a no-nonsense approach, benching or excluding players who do not meet his high standards. While this approach has led to positive results on the pitch, including Manchester United’s return to the UEFA Champions League, it has also drawn criticism from players who feel that the manager’s rigidity does not allow for enough flexibility in player management.
Garnacho, who has been in and out of the starting lineup under Ten Hag, is seen as one of the most talented prospects at the club. However, his occasional omission from matchday squads, particularly earlier in the season, raised questions about whether the young forward was fully aligned with Ten Hag’s expectations.
As of now, Manchester United has not issued an official statement regarding Garnacho’s social media activity. However, sources within the club indicate that the situation is being closely monitored, and there may be internal discussions with Garnacho regarding his actions. While it is unclear whether the “like” was intentional or simply a casual interaction, the timing and context have added to the narrative surrounding the relationship between Ten Hag and certain players.
Club insiders suggest that Ten Hag is unlikely to be overly concerned about the social media incident but will use the opportunity to reinforce the importance of maintaining professionalism, both on and off the pitch. Ten Hag has made it clear since his arrival at United that he values discipline and expects his players to fully commit to his methods.
A spokesperson for Manchester United commented: “The club remains focused on the upcoming fixtures and is fully supportive of Erik ten Hag’s leadership. Alejandro Garnacho is a valued member of the squad, and any issues related to social media will be addressed internally.”
Unsurprisingly, the incident has divided opinion among Manchester United fans. Some have defended Garnacho, pointing out that his admiration for Ronaldo is well-known and that his interaction with the post should not be overanalyzed. Others, however, feel that the “like” reflects a deeper issue within the squad and raises questions about Garnacho’s attitude towards Ten Hag’s management.
One fan, Daniel Thompson, took to Twitter to voice his support for Garnacho: “He’s just showing love for Ronaldo. People need to stop reading too much into this. Garnacho is young and talented, and he’ll be a star for us under Ten Hag.”
On the other hand, another supporter, Lucy Williams, expressed concern about the situation: “If Garnacho is liking posts that criticize his manager, that’s worrying. It’s important for young players to stay focused and avoid these kinds of distractions.”
With Manchester United currently competing on multiple fronts, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, the club will be keen to keep any distractions to a minimum. Garnacho, who has shown tremendous promise since breaking into the first team, remains a key figure in the club’s plans for the future.
As for Erik ten Hag, the Dutch manager is likely to continue focusing on maintaining discipline and cohesion within the squad as he navigates a crucial period in United’s season. Whether Garnacho’s “like” will have any lasting impact on his relationship with the manager remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Manchester United fans will be hoping that the team can remain united and focused as they push for success in the 2023/24 campaign.
