Steve McClaren, the former assistant coach at Manchester United, has disclosed the precise instructions that Erik ten Hag delivered to Cristiano Ronaldo prior to their notorious confrontation, which ultimately precipitated the Portuguese superstar's departure from the club. The revelation sheds light on the fundamental tactical disagreement that fractured their professional relationship.
The Training Ground Confrontation
According to McClaren, who served under Ten Hag during the Dutch manager's inaugural season at Old Trafford, the conflict originated from Ten Hag's unwavering insistence on a high-pressing system. This approach had been instrumental in Ten Hag's triumphant tenure at Ajax, but it clashed directly with Ronaldo's preferred playing style. The veteran forward, renowned for his goal-scoring prowess rather than defensive work rate, was resistant to adopting the intensive pressing demands.
McClaren's Mediation Role
Appearing on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, McClaren recounted how he attempted to mediate between the two strong-willed personalities. He explained that he repeatedly conveyed Ten Hag's expectations to Ronaldo in clear, unequivocal terms. "I used to say to Ronnie: 'all he wants you to do is, you're the first press, make one run, make two runs, and maybe make a third one, if you feel like it. And then, recover back into the middle, in case we win the ball, and then we can play to you,'" McClaren revealed.
He emphasized the ultimatum that was presented: "That's all he wants you to do. If you can't do that, you won't be playing. Or if you won't do that, you can't be playing. Okay, or he won't pick you. I'm telling you, he won't pick you.'" This stark warning underscored Ten Hag's refusal to compromise his tactical philosophy, even for a player of Ronaldo's global stature.
A Clash of Philosophies
McClaren described the ensuing dynamic as a "standoff" rather than a physical altercation, with both parties entrenched in their positions. "It was a little bit of a fight. Not a fight, but a standoff, and who is going to win? Erik stuck to his guns. I think most managers would accommodate to that, same managers are like that. But he stuck to his guns," he stated. This inflexibility from Ten Hag highlighted a broader managerial ethos that prioritised system adherence over individual star power.
The assistant coach noted that many other managers might have adjusted their tactics to accommodate a legendary figure like Ronaldo, but Ten Hag remained resolute. This principled stance ultimately led to Ronaldo's contract being terminated in November 2022, following an unauthorised interview in which he criticised the club's ownership, teammates, and manager.
Ronaldo's Lasting Resentment
In the years following his acrimonious exit, Ronaldo's dissatisfaction with Ten Hag has persisted. During a 2024 appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the Portuguese captain expressed his disillusionment with the manager's public statements. "The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League. (As) Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you're not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. You have to be, to mentally say, 'listen, maybe we don't have that potential, but I cannot say that. We're going to try. You have to try'," Ronaldo asserted.
This comment reflects a deeper philosophical rift regarding ambition and mentality, extending beyond the initial tactical dispute. It illustrates how the fallout was not merely about pressing instructions but encompassed broader issues of leadership and club culture.
Legacy of the Dispute
The revelations from McClaren provide a rare insider perspective into one of modern football's most publicised managerial-player conflicts. They underscore the challenges of integrating a veteran superstar into a rigid tactical framework, and the potential consequences when neither party is willing to yield. The episode remains a defining chapter in the recent histories of both Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious career.
