Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has shrugged off the latest criticism from Cristiano Ronaldo, maintaining that external opinions don’t affect him or the club.
Ronaldo, during a podcast interview with former United teammate Rio Ferdinand, took issue with Ten Hag’s comments from a pre-season interview in the Netherlands.
The United boss had remarked that the club was “a long way away” from reclaiming the Premier League title, which they last won in 2013.
While Ronaldo agreed that United were not in a position to challenge for the title, he believed that as manager, Ten Hag’s message lacked the right tone.
When asked about Ronaldo’s remarks ahead of Manchester United’s upcoming match against Southampton, Ten Hag appeared unfazed, noting that Ronaldo had essentially echoed the same sentiment.
“No, he said this, if you read the article very well,” said Ten Hag.
“He is entitled to his opinion. It’s OK. He is far away in Saudi Arabia, far away from Manchester.”
After back-to-back losses against Brighton and Liverpool, Manchester United now face Southampton, fully aware that another defeat would mark their worst start to a season since 1986-87, when Ron Atkinson was dismissed and Sir Alex Ferguson took the reins.
Erik ten Hag provided updates ahead of the crucial fixture, confirming that full-back Luke Shaw remains sidelined.
Shaw, despite featuring three times for England in Euro 2024, has yet to play for United this season.
Additionally, striker Rasmus Hojlund is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during United’s pre-season tour of the United States, ruling him out of action once again.
However, new signing Manuel Ugarte is available for selection.
The £50.2 million Uruguayan midfielder returned from international duty on Thursday and is ready to join the squad.
As Ten Hag prepares for the game, speculation around his future continues to swirl following United’s poor start. Some observers doubt the Dutchman will last the full season, particularly with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s increasing influence at the club.
Despite the growing scrutiny, Ten Hag remains unfazed, stating that the external “noise” doesn’t affect him, having recently returned from leading a charity match with his former club FC Utrecht. The manager is focused solely on getting United back on track.