‘He’s far away’: United boss fires back at Ronaldo

The last thing Erik ten Hag needed was for Cristiano Ronaldo to reopen old wounds with Manchester United – but that’s exactly what the club legend has done.
Just weeks into the new season and a sense of crisis is already looming over Old Trafford, with two losses from the side’s first three English Premier League games.
The pressure is already mounting on ten Hag and the latest criticism by one of the Red Devils’ all-time greats will only add to that.
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Ronaldo claimed a recent statement made by ten Hag where he said United wouldn’t be able to compete for major trophies this season sent the “wrong message” to his playing group, who are already lacking in confidence.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a tumultuous relationship with the Manchester United boss.  Getty
“They have to rebuild from the bottom. If not, they cannot compete. It will be impossible,” he told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
“The coach says they cannot compete to win the [Premier] League and Champions League. As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League.
“Mentally say maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try, you have to try. What I wish for Manchester, it’s what I wish for me – [to be] the best team they can. I love that club … I’m not that kind of guy that forgot the past.”
Ronaldo was critical of ten Hag’s approach after his second exit from United in 2022, claiming he didn’t respect the Dutch manager.
Ten Hag has now fired back at the two-time Ballon d’Or winner and said the outside noise will not impact his coaching style or the team’s on-field results.
“He’s far away in Saudi, far from Manchester,” the coach said.
Erik ten Hag celebrates with the FA Cup trophy last season.  Getty
“Everyone is entitled to have an opinion. It’s okay. It doesn’t impact me. I know in the process where we are, what we have to do, where we are going.
“I have said before we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players also in the team.”
United won their first game of the Premier League season against Fulham, before falling to Brighton and Liverpool in their next two fixtures.
Ten Hag’s men will take on Southampton this weekend.