Ronaldo – Ten Hag: the behind-the-scenes story of a Manchester United split | OneFootball

A conflict born on the training ground

Ronaldo – Ten Hag: the behind-the-scenes story of a Manchester United split

The split between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag didn't just play out in the media. Long before Ronaldo's explosive interview with Piers Morgan in November 2022, the rift at Manchester United had already taken root.

According to Steve McClaren, Ten Hag’s assistant at the time, the breaking point was crystal clear: pressing. The Dutch manager demanded that Ronaldo be the first line of defense, the player who would ignite the press on the opponent’s buildup. McClaren recalls trying to ease the tension by speaking directly to the Portuguese star:

But that conversation wasn’t enough. “There were a lot of battles on the training ground,” McClaren admits. The issue? Neither side was willing to back down:

The situation turned into a real power struggle. “It was a deadlock. Who would give in? Erik held his ground.” This standoff gradually led to an impasse: less playing time, rising tensions, and ultimately, a definitive split.

In the end, it wasn’t about results or just a clash of egos, but a fundamental disagreement over the philosophy of modern football that sealed the end of Ronaldo’s adventure at Manchester United.