New Delhi: Former Manchester United head coach Erik Ten Hag has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo was never the problem at the club, suggesting that deeper issues existed beyond the Portuguese striker, who left the club on poor terms during Ten Hag’s tenure. Ronaldo departed Manchester United for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in 2023 after falling out of favour with Ten Hag.

“For me, it is no problem; he was never the problem. I think it was what happened. It's the past, and after that, we won two trophies at Manchester United. I wish him all the best for the future, and I wish him the best of luck,” Ten Hag said.

After winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with Manchester United, Ten Hag was sacked midway through the 2024/25 season and later took charge at Bayer Leverkusen. His comments came after his new team lost 0-2 to Chelsea in a pre-season friendly.

Two years after leaving United, Ronaldo criticised Ten Hag’s mindset and approach, saying a Manchester United coach should never say the team cannot compete for the Premier League or Champions League titles. Ronaldo told former teammate Rio Ferdinand on a podcast that the team needs to rebuild, but the coach must always say they will fight to win.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is preparing for the new season impressively, having scored a hat-trick against Liga Portugal side Rio Ave F.C. He will next face Al-Ittihad Club in the semifinal of the Saudi Super Cup.

With inputs from IANS