Manchester United Manager Erik Ten Hag Labelled Cristiano Ronaldo As ‘The Past’

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Manchester United Manager Erik Ten Hag Labelled Cristiano Ronaldo As ‘The Past’
08 Dec 2022
5 min read

News Synopsis

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, referred to Cristiano Ronaldo as "the past" and said that the team was "looking at the future."

Manchester United has terminated Cristiano Ronaldo's contract, putting an unfortunate end to his second stint with the Premier League club. United made the decision in response to the controversial interview the Portugal captain gave to broadcaster Piers Morgan in which he criticized the club's officials and manager Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo has been concentrating on Portugal's ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign in Qatar ever since when he scored a goal in the group stage.

But after he put up unimpressive performances throughout the current Premier League season, Fernando Santos benched him for their crucial Round of 16 match against Switzerland. It appeared as though his lack of games had affected his form.

In Santos' starting lineup, Goncalo Ramos, who replaced Ronaldo, was used as the only striker, and the Benfica sniper scored three goals on his World Cup debut. Portugal secured a 6-1 victory and advanced to the quarterfinals after scoring goals from Pepe and Raphael Guerreiro. Portugal will face Morocco there.

After spending 12 years in Madrid and Turin, Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford for a second tenure in the summer of 2021. After his comeback, he finished the season with 24 goals across all competitions, including 18 in the Premier League, ranking him third in the Golden Boot race. He also received the club's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award and was chosen to the Premier League Team of the Year. Although he put on incredible performances, United finished in sixth place and missed out on the UEFA Champions League.

Ten Hag was benched when he came because Marcus Rashford was preferred by the former Ajax coach. In 10 2022–23 Premier League games, Ronaldo only managed to score two in the Europa League. He recorded two assists in the Europa League in the meantime. Ronaldo is the club's "past," according to Ten Hag, who told MUTV that they are focusing on the future. "He's gone and it’s the past. We are now looking forward and we’re looking to the future" he said.

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