Man Utd's Ten Hag hits back at criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo

MANCHESTER, England – Erik ten Hag has hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the Portuguese striker doesn't know what he's talking about because he's “far away from Manchester.”

Ronaldo criticised Ten Hag in a podcast hosted by Rio Ferdinand, saying the United manager should “not say he is not going to fight to win the league or the Champions League.”

However, Ten Hag dismissed the comments and insisted that it was Ronaldo who said United could not win the Premier League title.

“He said Manchester United cannot win the Premier League,” said Ten Hag, who fell out with Ronaldo during their time together at the club.

“He said that. If you read the article carefully. He is far away in Saudi Arabia, far away from Manchester, so everyone can have an opinion and has the right to have an opinion. It's fine.”

Ten Hag is under pressure ahead of the trip to Southampton on Saturday following the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break.

CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth have publicly backed the Dutchman, but speculation persists that the former Ajax head coach could be replaced at Old Trafford just months after extending his contract until 2026.

“It doesn't affect me,” said Ten Hag. “I know where we are and where we are going. We are in a transition phase and have to integrate a lot of young players into the team.”

“We have to get the injured players back into the team. Before anyone comes up with excuses: We have to win every game, I know that. The team knows that. We will focus on every game and have the right attitude to win.”

Meanwhile, Ten Hag has confirmed that Luke Shaw and Rasmus Højlund will not face Southampton on Saturday as they continue to recover from injuries.

New signing Manuel Ugarte could make his debut after returning from international duty on Thursday.