Ronaldo said that Ten Hag had erred when he stated in a preseason interview in the manager’s native Netherlands that the team was “a long way away” from winning the Premier League for the first time since 2013 in an interview with former United teammate Rio Ferdinand on a podcast.
Ronaldo continued to state that he believed his former team could not win the title, but he believed Ten Hag was giving the incorrect message in his role as manager.
When asked about the remarks made by the seasoned forward prior to Saturday’s trip to Southampton, Ten Hag said that Ronaldo had made a similar statement.
No, if you carefully read the piece, he stated this,” Ten Hag remarked.
“He is free to hold that opinion. It’s alright. He is in Saudi Arabia, a long way from Manchester.”
Following losses to Brighton and Liverpool, United knows that a loss will send them into their worst start since 1986–1987, the year when Sir Alex Ferguson took over for Ron Atkinson.
Ten Hag declared that full-back Luke Shaw, who made three appearances for England during Euro 2024 but has not played for his club this season, is still unavailable.
Rasmus Hojlund, a striker, will also be absent from the match as he continues to heal from a hamstring injury he suffered during the summer tour of the US.
