Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United players are still discontent with manager Erik ten Hag over the treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The atmosphere in the Manchester United locker room remains tense, with lingering discontent over how manager Erik ten Hag treated Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese legend is currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr and his national team.
United have suffered with an injury crisis and off-field controversies since the start of the current season. The Red Devils have lost six out of the 11 games they played so far in all competitions. They currently occupy the 10th spot in the Premier League and hold the fourth position in the Champions League Group A.
Ten Hag took charge of the Red Devils in the summer of 2022 after taking over from interim manager Ralf Rangnick. The Dutchman had a public fall-out with Ronaldo during his first year at the club.
The Portugal captain gave an infamous interview to Piers Morgan where he claimed that he “felt betrayed” by the club. The 38-year-old added that he has “no respect” for the United manager as Ten Hag shows no respect to him.
United backed their new manager in the matter and terminated Ronaldo’s contract through mutual consent.
Scottish broadcaster Alan Brazil revealed on talkSPORT about the private chat he had with an unnamed United star. He said:
“The players are not having a manager. They’re not having him at all. By all accounts, they are disgusted by the way he treated [Cristiano] Ronaldo – and they say Sancho is a great guy who works his socks off.”
Unrest at Manchester United: The Sancho saga
The United boss had a fallout with another forward, Jadon Sancho, during the start of the current season. Ten Hag’s public criticism of Sancho’s training performance prompted a retort from Sancho, who accused the manager of using him as a scapegoat.
United’s first-team facility remains off-limits to the England international until he issues an apology. The Telegraph reported that Sancho believes he is a victim of double standards and the Dutchman shows favouritism.
Daily Mail reported that Ten Hag publicized Sancho’s mental health issues without the permission of the club last season. The serious allegation raised questions about the 53-year-old’s man-management skills.
The report also suggested that the manager was merely trying to convey support to the player through his press conference. The 23-year-old future at the club is still uncertain as the January transfer window draws near.
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The serious allegations cast doubt over Ten Hag’s ability to change the fortune of United as they struggle this season. The Dutchman needs to maintain unity within the squad and the trust of the players in his ability. United fans and numerous experts continue to hold the belief that Ten Hag is the right person to lead the Red Devils into the future. The Dutchman brought success in his first season by ending the six-year trophy draught at United and he deserves more time.
