He's Far Away in Saudi" - Erik ten Hag Responds to Cristiano Ronaldo's Criticism

In the midst of Manchester United's turbulent start to the 2023-2024 season, Erik ten Hag, the club's no-nonsense Dutch manager, has found himself once again in the spotlight, this time for his response to the recent remarks made by the club's former talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo. As the dust settles from Ronaldo's departure, the echoes of his criticism towards the club, its management, and even ten Hag himself, have reverberated throughout the footballing world. Ronaldo, now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, has not shied away from expressing his displeasure about how things unfolded during his final months in Manchester. His words carry weight, even from afar, prompting ten Hag to address the ongoing narrative surrounding their strained relationship.

During a recent press conference, Ten Hag was asked directly about Ronaldo's comments. The Dutch manager, known for his candid and often blunt style, did not mince his words. "He's far away in Saudi," ten Hag remarked, with a thin smile, a sign that while the subject might be sensitive, he was more than prepared to confront it head-on. His response was measured, not dismissive, but certainly carrying an undertone that suggested he had moved on from the Ronaldo chapter, even if the Portuguese superstar hadn't.

Ronaldo's departure from Manchester United last season was far from the fairy tale ending many had anticipated. Once hailed as the prodigal son returning home to restore United's former glory, his second stint at the club turned sour, marred by internal conflicts, diminishing playing time, and a public fallout that culminated in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. In the interview, Ronaldo accused the club of stagnation, and indirectly, he criticized ten Hag for showing him a lack of respect. Those accusations set off a media firestorm, with opinions divided over whether Ronaldo's outburst was justified or simply the venting of a frustrated legend unwilling to accept his reduced role in the team.

For ten Hag, who took the reins at Manchester United in the summer of 2022, the situation was a delicate balancing act. He had been tasked with revitalizing a club that had, by all accounts, lost its way in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. And while having a player of Ronaldo's stature in the squad was undoubtedly a boon, it also posed significant challenges, especially for a manager who demands total control and discipline within his squad.

From the start, ten Hag made it clear that no player, no matter how iconic, would be treated differently under his regime. Ronaldo's refusal to come on as a substitute during a Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, followed by his decision to leave the stadium early, was the tipping point. Ten Hag, in a show of authority, dropped Ronaldo from the squad for the subsequent match and made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated. It was a bold move, one that risked alienating Ronaldo's legion of fans but sent a powerful message to the rest of the squad: discipline and team cohesion would come before individual egos.

In the months since Ronaldo's departure, ten Hag has often been asked to reflect on the situation. While he has generally chosen to avoid delving too deeply into the specifics, his stance has remained consistent. "My focus is always on the team," he reiterated in his most recent comments, subtly indicating that Ronaldo's personal grievances, while significant, would not derail the project he was building at Old Trafford. For ten Hag, the future of Manchester United lies in the collective, not in the individual brilliance of one player.

Still, Ronaldo's shadow looms large. His move to Saudi Arabia, while seen by some as the twilight of his illustrious career, has done little to quiet his voice on matters relating to his time at United. In a recent interview, Ronaldo hinted that the club's infrastructure and culture had not evolved since his first spell at Old Trafford, and he openly questioned ten Hag's managerial methods. "I don't regret speaking the truth," Ronaldo said. "I know I'll be remembered not only for my goals but for standing up for what I believe in."

It is clear that Ronaldo's relationship with Manchester United, and particularly with ten Hag, remains fraught. Yet, for all the tension, ten Hag's response to the latest round of criticism was notably restrained. His brief, almost casual dismissal of Ronaldo's words suggested that he has little interest in reigniting a war of words. Instead, his focus is firmly on the task at hand—restoring Manchester United to their former heights, a task that has proven to be far more challenging than anticipated.

United's early-season form has been inconsistent, with injuries and off-field issues further complicating ten Hag's efforts to build momentum. The manager's tenure has been marked by moments of brilliance, such as winning the EFL Cup and securing a top-four finish last season, but also by periods of frustration, including an embarrassing 7-0 defeat to archrivals Liverpool and the ongoing struggles in the transfer market.

Yet, despite the challenges, ten Hag remains resolute in his vision. His recent signings, including the likes of André Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Højlund, reflect his commitment to reshaping the squad in his image. It's a long-term project, one that requires patience, something that has often been in short supply at a club with the stature of Manchester United.

As the season progresses, the focus will inevitably shift back to matters on the pitch. But for now, the Ronaldo saga continues to linger in the background, a reminder of the complexities that come with managing one of the world's biggest football clubs. Erik ten Hag, for his part, seems determined not to let it distract him. "He's far away in Saudi," the manager repeated, as if to underscore the distance—both literal and figurative—between himself and the player who once dominated the headlines at Old Trafford.

The challenge now for ten Hag is to ensure that Manchester United, too, can move on from the Ronaldo era, just as he has. Whether the club's fan base, still divided over how the situation was handled, will do the same remains to be seen. But for ten Hag, the message is clear: the future of Manchester United does not revolve around any one player, no matter how great. It's about the team, the project, and the long road ahead.

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