The Dream Comeback Turned Sour
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in 2021 was initially heralded as a triumphant reunion, a dream comeback for one of the club’s most iconic players. Ronaldo had left Old Trafford in 2009 at the peak of his form and returned with the same level of skill and determination. His first season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a testament to his enduring talent, as he netted 24 goals and reminded everyone why he was once a United legend. However, the fairy tale quickly turned into a nightmare when Erik ten Hag took the helm in the following season. The Dutch manager’s tactical philosophy and expectations for the team were starkly different from what Ronaldo was accustomed to, leading to a clash that would ultimately culminate in Ronaldo’s explosive exit from the club.
The Tactical Mismatch
According to former Manchester United assistant coach Benni McCarthy, the primary reason for Ronaldo’s difficult second stint at United was a fundamental mismatch between his playing style and ten Hag’s tactical approach. Speaking to Ladbrokes, McCarthy revealed that ten Hag’s system was heavily focused on pressing from the outset, a style that demanded high energy and constant movement from all players. McCarthy noted, "Erik wanted pressing from the start. And I think Ronaldo, when he came to United, in his early years at Real Madrid, he was able to do what Erik expected him to do, like high press and then still have enough in the tank to get himself into positions to score." This observation highlights a key aspect of Ronaldo’s evolution as a player. While he was once capable of both pressing and scoring prolifically, his style had changed over the years, making it increasingly difficult for him to adapt to ten Hag’s demands.
An Evolved Playing Style
Ronaldo’s playing style had indeed evolved throughout his career. During his early years at Real Madrid, he was known for his explosive pace, agility, and ability to press and track back. However, as he matured, Ronaldo refined his game to focus more on his lethal finishing and strategic positioning in the box. McCarthy elaborated, "So, Ronaldo was varying his game a lot, but it wasn’t how Erik wanted to play. So he felt that it just couldn’t work. Having Cris in the starting XI wouldn’t work with the way we wanted to play, and that’s why Erik preferred Anthony Martial." This change in approach meant that Ronaldo’s contributions, while still valuable, were not aligned with the aggressive and dynamic pressing system that ten Hag was implementing at United.
The Preference for Anthony Martial
In the absence of a clear fit between Ronaldo and the pressing system, ten Hag turned to Anthony Martial, who was initially seen as a better fit for the tactical setup. Martial’s versatility and willingness to press and engage in high-intensity play made him a more suitable choice for the manager’s system. However, Martial’s inconsistency and eventual departure to AEK Athens in September 2022 further complicated the situation. Despite these challenges, ten Hag remained committed to his tactical vision, which led to a limited role for Ronaldo and increased tensions between the player and the manager.
The Explosive Interview and Mutual Termination
The rift between Ronaldo and ten Hag came to a head in November 2022 when Ronaldo gave a fiery interview to Piers Morgan. In this interview, Ronaldo did not mince words, criticizing both the club and ten Hag vehemently. He expressed deep dissatisfaction with his lack of playing time and the overall direction of the team. The interview was a watershed moment, making it abundantly clear that Ronaldo’s time at United was over. Shortly after, his contract was mutually terminated, bringing an abrupt and controversial end to his second spell at the club. The interview and subsequent termination marked a low point in Ronaldo’s storied career, but it also signaled a new chapter for the Portuguese superstar.
A Fresh Start in Saudi Arabia
Since leaving Manchester United, Ronaldo has found a fresh start at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The move to Saudi Arabia has provided him with the opportunity to continue his prolific scoring record in a different footballing environment. Despite the initial skepticism from many fans and pundits, Ronaldo has thrived, competing alongside and against some of the world’s best players, including Karim Benzema, for the top-scorer prize. His performances have been impressive, and he continues to be a dominant force on the field, proving that while his time at United may have been marred by controversy, his talent and passion for the game remain undiminished.
