Erik ten Hag: Managing Cristiano Ronaldo Was ‘No Problem’ Despite Contract Termination

Erik ten Hag has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo was never the issue during their time working together at Manchester United, despite the Portuguese star’s departure from the club following a high-profile dispute in 2022. Now managing Bayer Leverkusen, ten Hag made this remark after a recent friendly defeat to Chelsea.

The game came shortly after Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for his current club, Al-Nassr, in a 4-0 pre-season victory over Rio Ave. When asked whether Ronaldo remained a problem, ten Hag responded confidently, affirming that Ronaldo was never the problem and emphasizing that past issues are behind everyone. He praised Ronaldo’s current form, stating, “He’s no problem. He was never the problem.”

Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United was mutual, occurring in November 2022 shortly after he criticized the club and ten Hag in an interview with Piers Morgan. By then, Ronaldo hadn’t played since a loss against Aston Villa. He later expressed no regrets about releasing the interview, insisting he speaks his mind freely and stays true to himself.

Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances, continuing to impress despite not yet winning the Saudi Pro League title. His recent performances have kept him in the spotlight as one of the top players in the league.

Meanwhile, ten Hag highlighted his trophy successes at Manchester United, including winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. His focus now is on winning titles with Leverkusen, aiming to replicate his success in Germany.

Leverkusen will start their competitive season on August 15 in the DFB-Pokal against SG Sonnenhof, followed by their Bundesliga campaign at home to Hoffenheim a week later.