World · Singapore Bureau
Ten Hag blames Ronaldo's fitness for Man United struggles
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has attributed Cristiano Ronaldo's poor performance during his second spell at the club to inadequate physical preparation. Ten Hag stated the Portuguese forward failed to meet the demands required of the team.
LSN Singapore ·
Erik ten Hag, who recently departed his role as Manchester United manager, has pointed to Cristiano Ronaldo's lack of fitness as a key factor behind the striker's underwhelming return to Old Trafford. According to ten Hag, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner arrived at the club unprepared for the rigours of competitive football, undermining team performance.
The Dutch manager indicated that Ronaldo's physical condition fell short of the standards necessary for immediate integration into United's squad. Ten Hag suggested the forward's preparation prior to joining the club was insufficient, contributing to his inability to deliver consistently on the pitch.
Ten Hag's assessment marks a significant commentary on Ronaldo's second stint at Manchester United, which began in September 2021 following his departure from Juventus. The Portuguese international's return to the Premier League had been met with considerable fanfare, though his performances ultimately failed to meet expectations throughout his tenure at the club.
The former United boss's remarks highlight ongoing discussions about player fitness standards and preparation protocols within elite football clubs. Ten Hag's comments suggest that inadequate pre-season conditioning may have played a role in limiting Ronaldo's impact during matches.