TIPSLIFEHACKS

Erik ten Hag, the recently departed Manchester United manager, has delivered a surprising and emphatic defence of Cristiano Ronaldo, stating the Portuguese icon was “never the problem” during his tenure at Old Trafford. The comments, made in a recent interview, come after a tumultuous period for both Ronaldo and the club, and offer a fresh perspective on their relationship.

Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in 2021 was initially met with euphoria from fans, eager to see the club’s all-time leading goalscorer back in red. However, the reunion proved to be far from seamless. While his goalscoring ability remained undeniable, tensions were evident between Ronaldo and then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, ultimately leading to the Norwegian’s dismissal.

Ten Hag inherited a squad struggling for consistency and with a complex dynamic surrounding Ronaldo. The relationship between the two was openly challenging, marked by disagreements over tactics, playing time, and even Ronaldo's conduct. The infamous walk-off during a match against Tottenham Hotspur ultimately proved to be the final straw, resulting in Ronaldo’s contract being terminated early.

However, in his recent remarks, Ten Hag painted a different picture. He insisted that Ronaldo's individual qualities and dedication were never in question. “Cristiano was never the problem,” he declared. “He’s a fantastic player, a goal machine. He always wants to win, and that’s a good thing. The problem was… well, there were other problems within the squad and the club, but not with him.”

Ten Hag’s comments have sparked considerable debate among Manchester United fans and pundits. Some believe his words are a final attempt to justify his own performance, while others see them as a genuine expression of respect for a player who, despite the difficulties, continued to deliver on the pitch. It’s widely accepted that the issues extended beyond Ronaldo, encompassing a broader malaise within the club's structure, recruitment, and overall performance.

The timing of Ten Hag’s statement is also noteworthy, coming shortly after his dismissal from the managerial role. It suggests a desire to leave a legacy of fairness and to acknowledge the contributions of a player who, despite the controversies, remains a legendary figure in Manchester United’s history. The question now is whether these comments will reshape the narrative surrounding Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford, or whether they will be viewed as a footnote in a period of significant struggle for the club.

Ultimately, Ten Hag's defence of Ronaldo underscores the complexities of managing a superstar player and the broader challenges facing a club striving to regain its former glory. It also leaves fans pondering what might have been if the circumstances had been different, and if a more harmonious working relationship could have been forged between manager and player.