Players were reportedly unhappy with what many saw as Cristiano Ronaldo’s “unnecessary humiliation” after Erik ten Hag left Manchester United. When Ronaldo declined to enter as a substitute against Tottenham in October 2022, tensions reached a crescendo. Ten Hag responded by first removing Ronaldo from the team and telling him to train alone. But when Ronaldo had to rely on an academy player to help him get his trainers after being prohibited from entering the dressing room, tensions increased even further.
Concerns of Senior Players Regarding Ten Hag’s Method
ESPN claims that this incident had a long-lasting effect on the team, with older players believing that the harsh penalties were excessive. The way Ten Hag treated Ronaldo, who was well-liked by his teammates, revealed a rift between him and the team and fueled tensions that arose during his time. Discussions on the need for a management style more in line with player dynamics have been sparked by Ten Hag’s departure following United’s dismal start to the season and strained player relationships.
