Steve McClaren reveals Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag's training ground standoff
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McClaren, who returned to the club as part of ten Hag's backroom staff, offered a rare behind-the-scenes account of the disagreement that ultimately contributed to Ronaldo's departure in November 2022.
According to McClaren on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, the core issue centred on ten Hag's tactical demands - specifically the expectation that Ronaldo would lead the press from the front.
There were a lot of battles on that training field.
Erik stuck to his guns whereas I think most managers would accommodate to that. Some managers are like that but not Erik.
Pressing demands sparked tension
Ten Hag's system relied heavily on coordinated pressing, with forwards tasked with initiating defensive pressure high up the pitch.McClaren explained that the manager's instructions to Ronaldo were straightforward but non-negotiable.
I used to say to Ronnie, "All [ten Hag] wants you to do is be the first press, make one...two...maybe even three runs, if you feel like it."The former England manager made it clear that selection hinged on fulfilling those duties.
Then recover back to the middle, in case we win the ball, and then we can play to you.
If you can't do that, you won't be playing, he won't pick you.Rather than a heated confrontation, McClaren characterised the situation as a professional impasse.
It was a little bit of a fight. Not a fight, but a standoff, who's going to back down and who is going to win?
Ronaldo's explosive exit
The friction simmered for months before Ronaldo's now-famous interview with Piers Morgan, where the Portuguese star openly criticised ten Hag, the club's infrastructure and ownership.I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me. If you don't have respect for me, I'm never going to have respect for you.The interview proved decisive, with United and Ronaldo agreeing to part ways by mutual consent shortly afterwards.
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Read This Next →Ten Hag's uncompromising approach
McClaren suggested many managers might have compromised to accommodate a player of Ronaldo's stature, but Ten Hag refused.Other managers would accommodate that behaviour as long as he scores. But Erik was, "No - otherwise he doesn't play."Despite the disagreement, McClaren was keen to stress Ronaldo's professionalism.
Ronnie was still incredibly professional. It happened how it did, they went different ways and I think it was best.
Ten Hag's mixed legacy at Old Trafford
Whilst ten Hag's tenure ended abruptly in October 2024, his time at the club was not without success.The Dutchman guided United to a Carabao Cup triumph in 2023 and an FA Cup victory over Manchester City in 2024.
However, inconsistent league form and mounting pressure eventually led to his dismissal.
Ronaldo's continued views on United
Since leaving, Ronaldo has remained vocal about United's direction, repeatedly referencing structural concerns and ambition.Manchester United right now, they don't have structure.Despite his criticism, Ronaldo has consistently expressed affection for the club.
Manchester United is still in my heart. I love that club.
Signs of revival under Michael Carrick
Recent performances under Michael Carrick have offered renewed optimism, with United collecting 13 points from a possible 15 and climbing into Champions League qualification places.After years of turbulence, supporters will hope stability - both on and off the pitch - is finally returning.
This episode serves as another reminder of the delicate balance modern managers must strike: enforcing tactical discipline while managing elite personalities.
In the case of Ronaldo and ten Hag, neither side blinked, and United felt the consequences.
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