In the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive conversation with Piers Morgan, Manchester United are reportedly mulling over the possibility of terminating the player's contract at Old Trafford.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who is currently away with the Portugal squad getting ready for the start of the World Cup, has cast serious doubt on his future with Manchester United after lashing out at the club and manager Erik ten Hag during an extensive and 90-minute conversation with the former Good Morning Britain presenter. Ronaldo is currently away with the Portugal squad getting ready for the start of the World Cup. United have stated that they have "initiated appropriate steps," and it is understood that they are contemplating legal action that could result in the dismissal of the 37-year-old player. United have also confirmed that they have "initiated appropriate steps."
Ronaldo expressed a desire to leave Old Trafford during the summer transfer window; however, the club repeatedly told him that he was an integral part of new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans, so Ronaldo was unable to pursue his desire to leave. As a result of difficult personal circumstances, Ronaldo was unable to participate in United's preseason games. However, he was back in the starting lineup for United's second game of the season, which was a 4-0 loss to Brentford played at the Gtech Community Stadium. Ronaldo started the game.
However, that only counts as one of his four starts in the Premier League for United so far this season. Due to the fact that the Dutchman wants the Reds to play a certain way, Ten Hag does not consider him to be his first-choice striker, and as a result, he is frequently overlooked.
In spite of the fact that Ronaldo's history and his impressive record in front of goal throughout his career cannot be refuted, the fact remains that he has not justified a regular starting berth this season, as evidenced by the fact that he only has three goals to his name. This season, when he has played for United, the team has not been as fluid or instinctive, which has led to the formation of many opinions that they play better when he is not on the field.
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has publicly defended and supported Ronaldo on a regular basis, but he has not been afraid to endure criticism for not starting him. The Dutchman is a strict disciplinarian and expects his players to set exceptional standards for themselves. Almost all of his players have bought into the new culture that he has established this season as a result of his efforts.
The fact that United knew Ten Hag would implement a new vision and put an emphasis on teamwork was one of the primary motivating factors in their decision to approach him about becoming their new manager earlier this year. During his time in Amsterdam, he was instrumental in putting Ajax back on the map, both on and off the field, and he was responsible for a significant portion of the club's success.
The praise for his work in the Netherlands, which was a large part of the reason United chose him to succeed Ralf Rangnick, was received not only in his home country but also all over Europe. While he was still in charge of Ajax, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was among his biggest admirers. Klopp would wax lyrical about the 52-year-old player, pointing out how he had a significant role to play in the overall development and leadership of the club. Klopp is now the manager of Liverpool.
Back in December 2020, Klopp was quoted as saying, "Erik is rightly regarded as one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football at the moment because of the work he does with Ajax." Klopp was referring to Erik's work with Ajax. "Of course, it is a wonderful club; in fact, it is one of the stellar names in European football; however, at the present time it is evident that they have outstanding leadership of the organization, and Erik is a significant part of that,"
Even though Ten Hag is still getting used to life at Old Trafford and adjusting to English football as a whole, he has certainly shown several signs of leadership and being prepared to make key decisions. This is despite the fact that Ten Hag is still getting used to English football. For instance, when the summer transfer window was open, Ten Hag overrode the preference of the recruitment department to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres to strengthen the Reds' options at center back. Instead, he won the support of the club to go after Lisandro Martinez instead.
Ten Hag didn't waste much time in ensuring that he would be given the authority to make decisions that would be to the club and to his own long-term benefit moving forward. Therefore, Ronaldo's explosive interview with Morgan, in which he harshly criticized the Dutchman, is likely to present another opportunity for Ten Hag to have his say on a significant decision that needs to be made. This decision concerns Ronaldo's future with the Dutch national team.
Ten Hag will most likely be consulted about the situation, and it is possible that he will state that he does not want the striker to continue to be a part of his squad. It will demonstrate that Ten Hag has been given a say in the leadership and direction of the club if that proves to be the case and United do terminate Ronaldo's contract.
United have been searching for a manager who has not caved to the power of players for a very long time, and they have finally found one. Ten Hag has the ability to set an example for his other players by humiliating Ronaldo, and he can use this to convey the message that he is not to be underestimated.
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