Ten Hag Dismisses Ronaldo's Criticism, Stresses Focus on Team's Progress

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo's recent criticism, maintaining that external opinions do not affect him or his team's focus.

In a podcast with former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo criticized Ten Hag's remarks from a pre-season interview in the Netherlands, where the manager suggested that United were "a long way away" from winning the Premier League for the first time since 2013. Ronaldo, although agreeing with the assessment that United might not win the championship, felt that Ten Hag's comments sent a negative message.

Ten Hag addressed Ronaldo's comments ahead of Saturday's match against Southampton. "No, he said this, if you read the article very well," Ten Hag responded. "He is entitled to his opinion. It's OK. He is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester."

Following consecutive defeats to Brighton and Liverpool, Manchester United faces Southampton knowing that another loss would mark their worst start to a season since 1986-87, when Ron Atkinson was dismissed and Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed.

Ten Hag confirmed that full-back Luke Shaw, who has not played for United this season despite featuring for England in Euro 2024, remains unavailable. Striker Rasmus Hojlund will also miss the game due to a hamstring injury sustained during the summer tour of the United States. New signing Manuel Ugarte, who recently returned from international duty, is fit to play.

The two-week break since the Liverpool defeat has sparked speculation about Ten Hag's future, with some observers believing he may not complete the season as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe increases his influence at the club.

Despite the speculation, Ten Hag remains focused on the team's progress. "It doesn't impact me," he stated. "I know where we are in the process and what we have to do and where we are going. I have said before we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players in the team and still have to deal with injuries and bring players back into the team. Before anyone thinks about excuses, no, we have to win every game. I know that. The team knows that. It doesn't matter who is available."