Erik Ten Hag's tenure at Manchester United had not being without player problems. Most notable among these was the feud with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese striker returned to his old club Manchester United in 2021 from Juventus. The forward enjoyed a strong start to the season, beginning with a brace against Newcastle who were away. Yes! The saviour was back! Ronaldo ended that season with 24 goals in 38 appearances for the Red Devils.
Erik ten Hag vs Cristiano Ronaldo
However things quickly turned around following the appointment of Erik Ten Hag. Ten Hag, who had won the Eredivisie with Ajax on three occasions, 2018/19, 2020/21 and 2021/22 had the strongest support of United’s board. It was believed that with Ronaldo's incorporation and the appointment of the Dutch manager, the Red Devils were set to return from their ruins. Things however took the wrong turn between the manager and Ronaldo following an interview the latter granted. In an interview with Piers Morgan on Talk Tv, the former United no. 7 had said that he had “no respect” for Ten Hag and that the club had “betrayed” him since his return in the summer of 2021.
READ MORE: Erik ten Hag has been sacked as Manchester United manager
Ten Hag when poached on the interview did not hide his disappointment and frustrations. He quoted these words: 'The interview I think, as a club, you can’t accept." “There will be consequences. To make that step he knew the consequences.” “It was quite clear after the interview, that he had to leave. I think we didn’t have to discuss it. It was quite clear.”
Erik ten Hag vs Jadon Sancho
Another feud that may have cost Ten Hag his job might be that between himself and former United winger Jadon Sancho. Sancho had publicly disagreed with the Dutch manager on his commitment to training. The relationship between the two broke down as Sancho began struggling to get minutes under his belt. When asked, Ten Hag had quoted that Sancho had to fight for his place among other wingers.
READ MORE: Manchester United advancing on a deal to appoint Ruben Amorim as manager
Aside these challenges with individual players, another reason that likely explains Ten Hag's dismissal is the poor start to the season with shameful losses. No disrespect to teams, considering the competitive nature of the English Top Flight, but United found themselves struggling against teams they would usually triumph over. The loss against West Ham might just have been the last straw. United had just come back from a goal down through Casemiro who found the net at the 81st minute only to go down again by conceding a reckless penalty. The 2-1 loss away to Brighton and a 3-0 loss at home to Tottenham may have provoked the Dutchman’s dismissal even more.
United have appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim manager. Names as Xavi, Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter have all come in contention for the ultimate position as manager of Manchester United. Many strongly believe that former England Men's National Team manager Gareth Southgate would be right replacement. We can only wait ….