Erik ten Hag said Cristiano Ronaldo conceded Manchester United are not in a good position to win the main titles this season despite criticizing the management.
Ten Hag evaluated United’s Premier League and Champions League possibilities in a pre-season interview. „We are really a long way away from that,” he told AD Sportwereld.
On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ronaldo said, “Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League.”
Ronaldo then contradicted himself. He stated they could win the Carabao Cup, Champions League, Europa League, or Premier League, but it would be hard.
Ten Hag was asked about Ronaldo’s comment that United’s management shouldn’t proclaim they can’t win the title.
“No, he said this, if you read the article well,” he said. “He’s far away in the Saudi league, so everyone’s entitled to an opinion. It’s OK.”
Ronaldo quit United in November 2022 after twice walking out on Ten Hag’s team: at Old Trafford during a pre-season friendly with Rayo Vallecano and in the Premier League match with Tottenham.
Last two games, United lost 2-1 at Brighton and 3-0 at home to Liverpool before the international break. Ten Hag was asked if Saturday’s game in Southampton was crucial.
“We must win all our games,” he remarked. May will reveal our status. Winning titles and climbing the league is the focus early in the season.
“I don’t care about club noise because I know where we are. Team must include many young players. We must address injuries and re-establish players. No excuses we must win every game.”
Ten Hag is without injured players Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Rasmus Højlund, Tyrell Malacia, and Victor Lindelöf. He stated that Højlund and Shaw were progressing well but not ready for the game, and that Manuel Ugarte, a £42m acquisition, was available.
