Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to maintain the standards he established at Real Madrid, despite describing the Portuguese forward as one of football’s greatest players.
Speaking to ESPN Netherlands, the Dutchman suggested that Real Madrid made the right decision when they sold Ronaldo to Juventus in 2018.
Ten Hag believes the Spanish giants have consistently demonstrated an ability to recognise when established players should be allowed to leave.
“Since Real Madrid sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, it was effectively over,” he said.
The former Ajax manager argued that Madrid’s willingness to part company with ageing stars has been an important factor in their sustained success.
“In fact, Real Madrid’s greatest strength is that they always know the perfect time to part ways with a player,” he added.
Ronaldo left Madrid after nine seasons, having scored 450 goals in 438 appearances and won four Champions League titles with the club.
His departure marked the end of one of the most successful individual spells in European football history.
The Portuguese subsequently joined Juventus, where he continued scoring regularly and helped the Italian giants win two Serie A titles.
However, Ten Hag believes Ronaldo has been unable to reproduce the extraordinary performances that defined his peak years in Madrid.
“In my opinion, Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly a fantastic player and one of the greatest players of all time,” the Dutchman said.
“But the truth is that, over the last seven or eight years, he has no longer been capable of performing at that level.”
The comments are particularly noteworthy given the pair’s difficult relationship during their time together at Manchester United.
Ten Hag became United manager in 2022, shortly after Ronaldo had completed his first season back at Old Trafford.
Their relationship deteriorated as the Portuguese forward struggled for regular starting opportunities under the Dutchman.
The situation eventually culminated in Ronaldo’s controversial interview with Piers Morgan, during which he publicly criticised Ten Hag and questioned the direction of the club.
Manchester United subsequently terminated Ronaldo’s contract by mutual agreement in November 2022.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr the following month, continuing his playing career outside European football.
Ten Hag’s latest assessment therefore adds another chapter to their complicated history, although his remarks focused primarily on Ronaldo’s decline from his Madrid peak.
The Dutchman also appeared to draw a broader distinction between recognising a player’s exceptional achievements and assessing whether they can continue performing at the same level.
For Ten Hag, Real Madrid’s decision to sell Ronaldo remains an example of effective long-term squad management.