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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo departure

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 07 December 2022

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag says that the Red Devils "are now looking forward" following Cristiano Ronaldo's recent exit.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that his side "are now looking forward" following Cristiano Ronaldo's recent departure.

The 37-year-old missed Man United's two matches against Aston Villa and Fulham ahead of the break for the World Cup due to illness.

Ronaldo then gave an explosive interview to Piers Morgan on TalkTV, where he criticised his employers, including Ten Hag, claiming that he 'does not have respect' for the Dutchman.

"I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me. If you don't have respect for me, I'm never gonna have respect for you," he told Morgan at the time.

Man United terminated Ronaldo's contract on November 22, with the club thanking him for his "immense contribution during his two separate spells at Old Trafford.

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo in action against Ghana at the World Cup on November 24, 2022 © Reuters

"Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect," read the statement from the 20-time English champions.

"The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.

"Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team's progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch."

For the first time, Ten Hag has now addressed Ronaldo's departure, with the Dutchman speaking from Spain, where Man United are preparing to face Cadiz and Real Betis in two mid-season friendlies.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo pictured during training on October 26, 2022 © Reuters

"He's gone and it's the past. We are now looking forward and we're looking to the future," Ten Hag told MUTV when questioned on Ronaldo's exit.

The forward is currently representing Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, and he scored in their opening match of the competition against Ghana before also starting against Uruguay and South Korea.

However, Ronaldo was dropped to the bench for the team's last-16 contest with Switzerland, which ended in a 6-1 victory for Fernando Santos's side.

Ronaldo entered the World Cup off the back of a disappointing start to the season for Man United, managing just three goals and two assists in 16 appearances, with just one of those strikes coming in the Premier League.