This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
ten Hag coy on if Ronaldo will keep Man Utd starting spot
Manchester United star Fred has given a rare interview where he’s shed light on the relationship between Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo. The duo have been involved in a power struggle at Old Trafford ever since the beginning of the season. But it appears things are good between the pair, despite the issues they’ve encountered over the last few months.
Ronaldo angered Ten Hag last month when he refused to come on in Manchester United’s stirring 2-0 win over Tottenham.
And that then saw the veteran punished for his actions, with the forward fined £1million and left out of the squad for their 1-1 draw with Chelsea days later.
Since then, however, Ronaldo has returned to the fold at United - starting their last three matches against Sheriff, West Ham and Real Sociedad.
And Fred has now given a rare interview to TNT Sports about the relationship between the two major figures.
When asked whether he saw Ronaldo refusing to come on, he responded by saying: “Dude, I didn’t. I was on the pitch there.
Man Utd news: Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag have a rocky relationship (Image: GETTY)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“You end up getting focused, you don’t even see it. Turned out I saw it later on the news. I was even surprised when I saw it, but it happens.”
When quizzed on whether Ten Hag has sent a message to the squad with his treatment of Ronaldo, Fred continued: “Dude, it’s hard. Everyone deals in some way.
“It’s obvious that everyone wants to be on the pitch, they want to play to help the team. So when you end up not playing, you get frustrated.
“This is normal, it has happened to him, it has happened to me, to someone else. I think that’s part of football.
“But I think it stayed there, we talked there, they had their conversation, he and Ten Hag.
Man Utd news: Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag have made up at Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)
“Absolutely. Everyone knows about Cristiano’s quality and ability… one of the best players in the history of football,” he said when quizzed on if it’s ‘easier’ for United to achieve their aims this season with Ronaldo.
“So you can’t dismiss Cristiano anyway. A very important player both on and off the pitch.
“Of course, age also matters a bit. This is normal. Everyone gets to age, it weighs, it gets a little more difficult.
“But we know the quality and ability he has, to be able to decide a match. So very happy to have him by our side and I hope he comes back and stays 100 per cent too.”
Fred and Ronaldo will be hoping to start when United lock horns with Aston Villa in their Premier League clash on Sunday (2pm).