Erik ten Hag has come under fire from Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who claimed he had no respect for the Dutchman.
Ronaldo, who spent two spells in united varying in success, he hit the headlines after publicly criticizing the mentality of the Red Devils manager, under whom he worked during his second spell at Old Trafford.
In one interview with former teammate Rio FerdinandRonaldo revealed he had “no respect” for Ten Hag and believes United cannot compete in the Premier League with the manager’s mentality.
The Dutchman was quick to share his views on the comments, choosing to answer questions on the matter during Friday’s press conference ahead of United’s trip to St Mary’s to face Southampton.
“Did he say Manchester United can’t win it?” he told reporters. “No, he said it. It’s far away in Saudi Arabia, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have and is entitled to an opinion, that’s fine.”
The 39-year-old, who left United midway through his second season in 2022 after falling out with Have Hagmoved to the Saudi Pro League to join Al-Nassr in early 2023.
He struggled for success during his final spell at Old Trafford but scored 44 goals in 45 games in the Middle East last season. He is contracted to Al-Nassr until the end of the current campaign and he is still committed to success on the international stage with Portugal.
Meanwhile, United will be hoping to improve on their start to the 2024/25 campaign when they face Southampton on Saturday. The Red Devils took just three points from other games after falling to defeats at Brighton & Hove Albion and rivals Liverpool before the international break.
