The reason Ronaldo left MU

Ronaldo left MU due to a conflict with Ten Hag. Photo: Reuters .

Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United in a tumultuous atmosphere in November 2022. Steve McClaren, who played alongside Erik ten Hag, has revealed details behind that tumultuous departure.

On the podcast The Good, The Bad & The Football , McClaren stated that the rift between Ronaldo and Ten Hag didn't erupt because of personality differences, but rather stemmed from very specific tactical demands. The conflict began right on the Manchester United training ground.

According to the former assistant, Ten Hag wanted Ronaldo to be the first to press, actively making runs and immediately dropping back to the center when the team lost possession. "There were a lot of arguments on the training pitch. Like, 'I just want you to do this, this, and this.' That's how Erik coached," McClaren recalled.

He also frankly told Ronaldo that what the coach was asking of him wasn't too complicated, just basic tasks within the system.

If he doesn't perform, or isn't willing to perform, he won't get to play. "If he doesn't do it, Ten Hag won't pick him," McClaren said.

Ronaldo didn't entirely agree with that approach. The two sides were locked in a stalemate. "It wasn't really an argument, but a confrontation to see who would win," McClaren described it. Ten Hag maintained his stance. He didn't adjust the system to suit any one individual, even a superstar who had won five Ballon d'Or awards.

Their conflict stemmed from the training ground.

The outcome is clear to everyone. Ronaldo's contract was terminated, and he moved to the Saudi Pro League to play for Al Nassr.

Later, Ronaldo publicly criticized Ten Hag, saying he couldn't respect a coach who didn't respect him. Despite this, he repeatedly affirmed that Manchester United remained an important part of his heart.

In 2025, he admitted his heartbreak at seeing the team decline and argued that the club needed profound changes, not just in terms of the coach or players.

McClaren's comments suggest that this wasn't simply a personal conflict. It was a difference in philosophy. Ten Hag prioritized discipline and systems above all else. Ronaldo was accustomed to being the center of attention. When neither was willing to back down, a separation was almost inevitable.

Al Nassr fans pay tribute to Ronaldo. In the early hours of February 7th, Al Nassr fans collectively expressed their support for Cristiano Ronaldo in their 2-0 victory against Al Ittihad in Round 21 of the Saudi Pro League 2025/26.