Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that it was Cristiano Ronaldo who decided to leave the Old Trafford team.
Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo parted ways in November this year, and the Red Devils terminated the Portuguese superstar’s contract with the club by mutual consent. The decision to part ways with Ronaldo came after the 37-year-old sat down for an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Cristiano Ronaldo criticized Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag, among many others, in the interview with Piers Morgan, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner effectively burned bridges with the Red Devils.
His stay at Manchester United was then cut short, the Red Devils rescinding by mutual agreement. Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a sensational return to Manchester United in the summer of 2021. He had signed a two-year deal with an option for a further year. Ronaldo would have been under contract with Manchester United until the end of June 2023 had he not had his contract terminated.
Read more: Erik ten Hag backs Marcus Rashford to score 20 Premier League goals on 22/23
“He chose to say goodbye” – Erik ten Hag on Manchester United departure of Cristiano Ronaldo
Speaking to Viaplay Sport ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest, Erik ten Hag insisted it was Cristiano Ronaldo who ‘decided to say goodbye’.
“The focus is on the resumption of the league. I just see a hungry team,” Erik ten Hag told Viaplay when asked if he was happy that the tension surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has gone.
The Manchester United manager later added: “I don’t look back. I only look forward. He chose to say goodbye, he is no longer a part of it”, when asked if Ronaldo had disturbed that hunger.
Meanwhile, Manchester United resumed their 22/23 Premier League campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Fred scored the goals for the Red Devils as they picked up an important three points.
The Red Devils currently sit fifth in the EPL points table. Erik ten Hag and company. He has 29 points in 15 league games in the 22/23 season.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is currently a free agent and without a club after parting ways with Manchester United. However, the 37-year-old has been linked with a move to Al-Nassr.
