Belated truth about the Old Trafford conflict. Ten Hag speaks out on Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made a remarkably candid statement about the reasons behind his conflict with Cristiano Ronaldo, which ultimately led to the scandalous parting of the ways.

Details: The Dutch coach stressed that he had counted on the forward when developing a new tactical system, but the star Portuguese failed to live up to the trust placed in him.

“He let the team down and he let me down, because we made our plans with his involvement in mind. I deliberately flew to Portugal to speak to him about what I had been aiming for even before joining United. He is one of the greatest players in football history, and I had enormous respect for him. But as a coach, I had to make a rational decision,” the coach admitted.

According to the manager, the main stumbling block was the striker's lack of fitness to meet the intense demands of modern pressing.

“He wasn't capable of doing that. He didn't run with or without the ball because he wasn't prepared. Every top player has to work for the benefit of the team,” Ten Hag added, explaining his decision to send the legendary forward to the bench.

It is worth noting that the relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United came to an end in late 2022 after the footballer's explosive interview with journalist Piers Morgan, in which he criticized the club's management. After leaving the Red Devils as a free agent, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner moved to the Saudi Pro League to join Al-Nassr, where he continued to score goals at a prolific rate.

Reminder: Official verdict in Lisbon. Portugal Football Federation hands down punishment to Cristiano Ronaldo