Ten Hag says Ronaldo’s decline began at Juventus

Erik ten Hag has renewed his criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the forward had been unable to deliver at the highest level for seven or eight years and that his decline began after leaving Real Madrid for Juventus. Ten Hag made the assessment in remarks to ESPN, revisiting the breakdown in their relationship at Manchester United. He said Ronaldo remained one of football’s great players and that United’s squad looked up to him and wanted to work for him. But Ten Hag argued that a leading player also had to adapt to the team. The former United manager said Ronaldo could no longer push himself to train at maximum intensity or reach the fitness level Ten Hag considered necessary. He said that when he explained the role he expected Ronaldo to play, the forward still had to deliver on his own. Ten Hag also said that if Ronaldo did not make the required commitment, he had to make other choices in the club’s interests. Ten Hag’s comments extend criticism he made in an interview with The Athletic in October, when he said Ronaldo had let him and the team down. In that account, Ten Hag said Ronaldo had not prepared himself adequately and was unable to get into positions where he...