Former United coach spills beans on heated “standoff” that led to Ronaldo and Ten Hag’s bitter rift

Former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren has revealed exactly what sparked the bitter fallout between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag. Acrimonious split Ronaldo left United for the second time in his career on November 22, following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with immediate effect. His departure came after he granted an explosive and unauthorised interview to broadcaster Piers Morgan, in which he tore into the club and then-manager Ten Hag. In a wide-ranging critique, Ronaldo publicly criticised the Glazers for failing to address the club’s infrastructural needs, casting doubt on United’s overall ambitions. He also revealed the deteriorated relationship with Ten Hag, explaining that after being benched, he could not offer respect that was not reciprocated. Additionally, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner claimed that members of the United hierarchy were trying to force him out of Old Trafford. Ronaldo has continued to needle Ten Hag with subtle digs, underscoring the mutual animosity that remains. McClaren served as Ten Hag’s number two during the Dutch coach’s United tenure and therefore has a first-hand account of why exactly the pair fell out. The former Jamaica national team boss spoke on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast and detailed what exactly went down. McClaren spills the beans McClaren said, “There was a lot of battles on that training field. There was a lot of ‘all I want you to do is this, this and this’. That was Erik’s coaching – Ronnie this is your job.” “I used to say to Ronnie, ‘all he [Ten Hag] wants you to do is be the first press, make one…two…maybe even three runs, if you feel like it.’ Then recover back to the middle, in case we win the ball, and then we can play to you. That’s all we want you to do.” “If you can’t do that, you won’t be playing, he won’t pick you. It was a little bit of a fight. Not a fight, but a standoff, who’s going to back down and who is going to win?” McClaren continued, “Erik stuck to his guns. I think that’s the difference other people would have picked him, other managers would accommodate that behaviour as long as he scores.” “That control has gone for managers and credit to Erik, Ronnie was still incredibly professional. It happened how it did, they went different ways and I think it was best.” United currently sit in fourth position in the Premier League table, having won 13 points out of a possible 15 from their last five fixtures under Michael Carrick. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!