Manchester United’s head coach has explained the reasoning behind letting Cristiano Ronaldo depart, a decision tied to the broader goals of the club and the long-term plan for the team.
The 38-year-old striker had given a controversial interview with British journalist Piers Morgan before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, in which he criticized Manchester United and Erik ten Hag. The fallout led to the termination of the contract between Ronaldo and the club, a move that reshaped both sides’ trajectories.
The decision was not made lightly. The manager cited clear reasons and acknowledged the potential downsides. In football, choices carry consequences, and uncertainty is part of the game. Yet the focus remained on what would best serve the club’s progress, both in the immediate future and in the longer term.
Ten Hag stressed that strategic thinking must guide major decisions. He noted the pressure of making timely calls and the responsibility to back those choices with a clear rationale. It was a period when the squad needed alignment, and the manager believed the best path forward would support a cohesive team culture and style of play that could drive improvements across competitions.
With Ronaldo transitioning to a new league, his move took effect in January when he joined Al-Nassr. The contract reportedly valued at around €200 million per year, plus additional bonuses for Ronaldo and his family. The financial terms drew wide attention, but the manager focused on how the change would influence squad dynamics, development opportunities for other players, and the club’s strategic direction in a rapidly evolving landscape of world football.
In the aftermath, the team carried on with renewed focus. The period that followed included decisive performances where collective resilience and tactical discipline were emphasized. The roster adjustments were part of a broader effort to cultivate depth, competition, and growth across positions while maintaining a clear identity on the field.
Ronaldo’s new chapter at Al-Nassr has coincided with a shift in competitive narratives for both clubs involved. Al-Nassr, under new terms, has pursued ambitious results, including a notable victory over Al-Batin that underscored the squad’s potential and momentum. These moments reflect how transfer decisions ripple through leagues, influencing leadership choices, player development pathways, and strategic planning across teams and national markets.
The managerial approach remains focused on performance, consistency, and the ability to maximize the collective output of the group. It is a dynamic that requires careful balance between honoring past experiences and driving forward with fresh challenges. In competitive football, the stakes are always high, and the long view often guides decisions that shape seasons to come. For Ten Hag, the aim is a continually improving Manchester United, building a team capable of competing at the highest levels while fostering a culture of accountability and growth.