Erik ten Hag’s former assistant manager Steve McClaren has revealed the story behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to leave Manchester United, claiming the Dutchman handled the situation in the right way.
The dispute between Ten Hag and Ronaldo made headlines again recently after the striker decided to throw one public attack on his former manager. The Al Nassr star claimed he had “no respect” for the Red Devils boss before detailing the ways he would change the club to regain success.
Ronaldowho enjoyed two spells at United, won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups and an FA Cup during an initial six-year spell. His most recent tenure, however, saw his contract mutually terminated midway through his second season after falling out with Ten Hag.
But former Ten Hag right-hand man McClaren believes he reacted in the best possible way, admitting the Dutchman did the “necessary thing”.
“I can’t criticize his (Ten Hag’s) approach,” he said in an interview with The Telegraph. “He handled it really well. At the time I said he was the right man to come in.
“That was shown in the way he handled (the departure of) Cristiano Ronaldo. He came in with set standards. Set rules. Set a way of playing. And if you didn’t run, you didn’t play. He was rigid. That’s what the Dutch are. He knew that this was what was needed, that the players could not maneuver.
“That’s what you had to do, or you didn’t play. And he stood up to Ronaldo, and quite rightly so. Other coaches have tried to adapt. Erik didn’t think it was necessary to do that. (Ralf) Rangnick had done. He tried it and it hadn’t quite worked and Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) the same, so (Ten Hag) stuck to his guns and developed other players.”
The Jamaica national team coach also shared his admiration for Ten Hag, backing him to lead the Red Devils to success.
“The first season (at United) – to qualify for the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup – I thought where we started was a great achievement. The second year, the only thing you can say is van be the injuries We had too Many have never achieved this consistency.
“Perception is not reality and this is a difficult job. Ole has admitted it. Rangnick similar. Someone had to come in and steady the ship at least. I have to say with Ineos, I see a great future for Manchester United. I think they’re behind him (Ten Hag) and if they keep it up and stick together, United will be successful.”
