Video: Erik ten Hag claims Ronaldo’s peak ended at Real Madrid

Abdullateef Fowewe

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo as been unable to deliver at the highest level for the past seven or eight years and that his decline effectively began after leaving Real Madrid.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfNOq5cRrpE/?rpxt=MWp1Z3AxYWx4bWZlOA==

Speaking on the Dutch ESPN programme Goedemorgen Eredivisie, Ten Hag acknowledged Ronaldo’s status while drawing a clear line under his later career.

“The players wanted to work for him and they looked up to him. Let there be no misunderstanding about that. He is, of course, a tremendous player, one of the greatest of all time,” Ten Hag said.

“But the reality is that over the last 7 or 8 years, he simply has not been able to deliver anymore. From Juventus onwards, it was simply over.”

The Dutchman praised Real Madrid’s approach to managing ageing stars.

“And that is actually Real Madrid’s great strength. They always know when to say goodbye to players. Real Madrid recognise when a player’s level is declining, and they say goodbye at a moment when, to the outside world, they still appear to be at their peak. But they can no longer actually deliver, without it becoming painful,” he added.

Ten Hag also revisited their brief time together at Manchester United in 2022.

He said he explained his tactical plans and expectations to Ronaldo at the start of his tenure, but felt the forward could no longer meet the physical demands required.

“But ultimately, you also have to deliver yourself. As I just said, he could no longer bring himself to push through the pain, to give everything every single day, and to train at his maximum in order to get fit. And if you’re not fit in the Premier League, the Champions League, or with the Portuguese national team, well, then you simply have no chance,” he added.

Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus in 2018 in a big-money move.

He won two Serie A titles in Italy before returning to Manchester United in 2021.

Ten Hag took charge of United in the summer of 2022.

Their relationship deteriorated quickly amid issues over playing time, training intensity and public comments.

Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford ended in November 2022 by mutual agreement after a high-profile interview in which he criticised the club and its manager.

Ten Hag, who was later sacked by United and is now technical director at FC Twente, had already criticised Ronaldo’s fitness and commitment during their shared period in an interview with The Athletic in October 2026.