Manchester United players have reportedly expressed their strong displeasure with Erik ten Hag’s treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.
Ronaldo’s contentious departure from United in November was marked by criticism of Ten Hag, who had sidelined him during the first half of the 2021–22 season.
Ronaldo’s criticism came during an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. Subsequently, he pursued a new challenge outside of Europe by joining the Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
In the same season, United, under Ten Hag, achieved Champions League qualification and secured a League Cup victory.
However, their performance in the 2023–24 season has taken a downturn.
Jadon Sancho found himself excluded from the squad after failing to meet the manager’s training expectations.
In response, the English winger voiced his discontent with Ten Hag on social media.
It has been reported that he will only rejoin the squad upon issuing an apology.
According to former United striker Alan Brazil, who claims to have an inside source at Old Trafford, the dressing room sentiment has turned against Ten Hag. His handling of both of of these star players has been perceived as overly severe by the team.
“This is what I’ve been hearing… from a Manchester United player who told someone I know very well,” Brazil said on talkSPORT. “He said the players do not have the manager. They’re not having him at all. By all accounts, they are disgusted by the way he treated Ronaldo, and they say Sancho is a great guy who works his socks off.”
United are reportedly eager to offload Sancho in the winter transfer window, with Ten Hag said to have grown tired of his “disruptive” behaviour.
The 23-year-old has failed to meet expectations since his £72 million ($88 million) transfer to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021.
In 55 Premier League appearances, he has managed to score only nine goals. There have been speculations about a possible return to Dortmund, and Juventus is also reportedly considering a move for him.
Following the international break, United is scheduled to resume their season with an away match against Sheffield United in the Premier League on October 21.
Subsequently, Copenhagen is set to visit Old Trafford for a Champions League fixture three days later. However, it appears unlikely that Sancho will be included in either game due to his ongoing standoff with Ten Hag.