Overview
- Erik ten Hag told The Athletic in an interview published Oct. 20, 2026 that Cristiano Ronaldo failed to meet fitness standards at Manchester United and that Ronaldo "left the team in the lurch."
- Ten Hag detailed training shortfalls he says occurred in 2022, including Ronaldo not hitting required heart‑rate targets and completing only two of three laps in a disciplinary run after a 0–4 loss to Brentford.
- The former United manager said Ronaldo advised teammates to "save their legs," which Ten Hag argued undermined efforts to build a high‑intensity, pressing team and affected squad culture.
- The Athletic reported that Ronaldo did not respond to requests for comment, and the remarks come as Ronaldo faces a separate fine and 30‑day suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation for leaving the national camp early.
- Ten Hag used the interview to criticise Manchester United's decision‑making and say he had sought an experienced leader such as Harry Kane to rebuild the squad, framing the dispute as part of broader problems over player power and club culture.