Steve McClaren on Ten Hag & Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd | MUFCScoop

Former Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren has detailed the core disagreement between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag that ultimately led to the Portuguese forward’s departure from Old Trafford in November 2022. The conflict, according to McClaren, centered on Ten Hag’s insistence that Ronaldo fulfill defensive duties as part of the team’s pressing system.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, McClaren explained the dynamic during training sessions. “There was a lot of battles on that training field,” he said. “There was a lot of, ‘all I desire you to do is this, this, this and this’. That was Erik’s coaching, ‘Ronnie, this is your job.’”

McClaren revealed he frequently attempted to mediate the situation, explaining Ten Hag’s expectations to Ronaldo. “I used to say to Ronnie: ‘all he [Ten Hag] 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.’ 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.’”

The disagreement stemmed from Ten Hag’s tactical approach, which prioritized a high-pressing game, a style Ronaldo, even at 37 years old at the time, was reluctant to fully embrace. Ronaldo, who joined United for a second spell in 2021, had his contract terminated following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticized the club and Ten Hag. He subsequently moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

McClaren, who previously served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, understood both perspectives. He acknowledged Ronaldo’s frustration with being asked to alter his game, but also emphasized Ten Hag’s commitment to implementing his system. The Daily Mail reported on the feud, highlighting the lack of accommodation from Ten Hag towards Ronaldo’s superstar status.

As of February 17, 2026, Ronaldo remains with Al-Nassr, though recent reports indicate potential transfer discussions amid reported strike action in the Saudi Pro League. Ten Hag continues as manager of Manchester United, and the club has not publicly commented on the details of the rift with Ronaldo since his departure.