Overview

• After Bayer Leverkusen’s 2–0 friendly loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday, Ten Hag emphasized that Ronaldo “was never the problem” during his United tenure.
• The Dutch coach pointed to United’s 2023 Carabao Cup and 2024 FA Cup triumphs as evidence that deeper issues predated Ronaldo’s 2022 departure.
• Ten Hag joined Bundesliga title contenders Leverkusen in mid-2025 following his October 2024 sacking by United.
• Ronaldo continues his prolific form at Al-Nassr, scoring a hat-trick in a recent friendly and tallying 93 goals and 19 assists in just over 100 appearances.
• Ten Hag’s comments signal a closure to one of United’s most high-profile manager-player disputes.