Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to continue performing at the highest level, insisting that the Portuguese superstar could no longer meet the physical demands of elite football during their time together at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag, who managed Ronaldo during his second spell at Manchester United, maintained that the forward’s reputation and remarkable achievements could not compensate for what he considered a decline in his physical capabilities and ability to deliver the intensity required by his preferred playing system.
The Dutchman made the remarks during an interview with ESPN NL on Sunday, November 1, where he acknowledged Ronaldo’s status as one of football’s greatest players but questioned his ability to maintain the standards that had defined his career.
“In my opinion, Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly a fantastic player and one of the greatest players of all time. But the truth is that, over the last seven or eight years, he has no longer been capable of performing at that level,” Ten Hag said.
His assessment represents a fresh criticism of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, particularly concerning the difference between his reputation as an elite goalscorer and what Ten Hag believed he could contribute to a demanding team structure.
According to the former Manchester United manager, maintaining exceptional physical condition is non-negotiable for players hoping to compete consistently in competitions such as the Premier League and Champions League.
“It’s simple: if you’re not in peak physical condition, whether in the Premier League, the Champions League, or with the Portuguese national team, you simply have no chance of succeeding,” he explained.
Ten Hag also recalled his first discussions with Ronaldo after taking charge of Manchester United in 2022, revealing that he had explained the tactical approach and playing philosophy he wanted to establish at the club.
However, he insisted that understanding his instructions was not enough, as every player had to demonstrate the physical commitment necessary to execute the system.
“When I started the job at Man United, I explained to Cristiano Ronaldo the style of play we intended to adopt,” he said.
“But ultimately, you have to bring something to the table yourself, and he no longer had the ability to endure the hard work required,” Ten Hag added.
The former Ajax manager further explained that his expectations involved players pushing themselves to their physical limits during training, maintaining maximum intensity and ensuring they remained fit enough to compete at the highest level.
His comments highlight one of the central disagreements that contributed to the breakdown of his relationship with Ronaldo at Manchester United, where the forward increasingly struggled to secure a regular starting position under the Dutchman’s management.
Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford from Juventus in August 2021, initially enjoying a productive second spell with the club after scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances across competitions during the 2021/22 season.
However, his return coincided with a difficult period for Manchester United, and the arrival of Ten Hag in 2022 brought a different tactical direction, with greater emphasis on pressing, collective movement and physical intensity.
The Portuguese forward subsequently found himself playing a reduced role, with disagreements over his involvement becoming increasingly visible during the 2022/23 campaign.
The tension reached its peak in October 2022 when Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute during Manchester United’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Ten Hag responded by leaving him out of the squad for the following match against Chelsea, while Ronaldo later granted an explosive interview to Piers Morgan in which he criticised the club’s leadership and admitted he had no respect for the Dutch manager.
Manchester United and Ronaldo eventually agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent in November 2022, bringing his second spell at the club to an abrupt end.
Despite their disagreement, Ronaldo’s achievements remain significant. The Portuguese international established himself as one of football’s most prolific goalscorers through successful spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, winning multiple domestic and European honours.
His departure from European football’s top leagues to join Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr in December 2022 also marked a new chapter in his career.
Ten Hag’s latest comments have once again brought attention to the difficult final chapter of Ronaldo’s Manchester United career, with the former manager maintaining that individual reputation and past achievements cannot replace the physical demands required to compete at the highest level.
While Ronaldo’s legacy as one of football’s greatest players remains intact, Ten Hag’s position is clear: he believes the forward could no longer deliver what his Manchester United system demanded.
