Cristiano Ronaldo: 2010 UCL Winner Explains How CR7’s Move to Al Nassr Caused ten Hag Problems

• Erik ten Hag's struggles at Man United have been traced to Cristiano Ronaldo
• The Dutchman is under serious pressure and could lose his job at Old Trafford
• Meanwhile, Ronaldo continues to flourish in the Middle East with Al-Nassr

Wesley Sneijder has attributed Erik ten Hag's challenges at Manchester United to Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Al-Nassr.

The United manager clashed with the Portuguese star after relegating him to the bench in the initial stages of his tenure at Old Trafford.

Tensions escalated when Ronaldo, in a widely publicised interview with Piers Morgan, expressed feeling 'betrayed' by ten Hag, expressing a desire to depart the club and criticising various aspects of the team's setup.

How did Man United perform after Ronaldo's exit?

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Last season, Man United appeared to perform better without CR7, winning the Carabao Cup and sealing a top-four place, but their fortunes have waned this term.

According to One Football, the club has endured a season filled with undesirable records, prompting concerns about Ten Hag's job security.

However, a glimmer of hope remains, as they have the opportunity to claim an FA Cup medal if they can overcome Manchester City in what is anticipated to be a challenging encounter.

How has Ronaldo performed post-United?

Cristiano's unexpected move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr raised eyebrows in the football world, but it proved to be a stroke of genius for the seasoned forward.

He regained his form and emerged as the top scorer of 2023, surpassing Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland with 54 goals.

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Despite missing out on the AFC Champions League and the Saudi League, the 39-year-old has been unstoppable this season, netting an impressive 44 goals and leading Al-Nassr to their first Kings Cup final since 2020.

Why Ten Hag is struggling at United after Ronaldo

Sneijder, a 2010 Champions League winner with Inter Milan, expressed a candid view on the challenges facing ten Hag as he strives to retain his position.

"Should I tell you where it went wrong for Erik ten Hag?" He told Veronica Offside, as per Voetbal Primeur.

"On the day that he decided to battle Cristiano Ronaldo, he started losing all respect. He thought it would work out well for him, but it's the opposite.

"Everyone in the dressing room wondered if he is alright in the head by doing that."

Fans blast Ten Hag as Ronaldo, Sancho shine

Sports Brief also reported that social media erupted as fans criticised Erik ten Hag following impressive performances by two of his former players on Wednesday night.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho shone in the King's Cup and Champions League, sparking discussions about ten Hag's handling of the duo during their time at Old Trafford.