Speaking on "The Good, The Bad and The Football" podcast, McClaren recounted simmering tensions on the training ground.

"There were many clashes. Erik demanded very specific things: 'This is your job'", McClaren said. "I told Ronaldo: 'He just wants you to be the first presser. Run one, two, or even three times if you can. Then drop back to midfield to be ready to receive the ball when the team regains possession'. That's all".

Coach Erik ten Hag prepares to bring Cristiano Ronaldo onto the field during the Man Utd vs. Liverpool match at Old Trafford stadium, Manchester, England on 22/8/2022. Photo: Reuters

According to McClaren, Ten Hag's message was direct: if Ronaldo did not meet that requirement, he would not start. "I also told Ronaldo, 'If you don't do it, he won't pick you'", he continued. "Many coaches might be flexible with a star of that caliber, but Erik was not. He maintained his stance".

The former England coach described the situation as a stalemate, with neither side willing to compromise, and Ten Hag decided to prioritize tactical discipline above all else.

Ten Hag arrived at Man Utd in 6/2022 and quickly enforced discipline. The Dutch coach benched Ronaldo for missing pre-season, explained not using him in the 3-6 loss to Man City as a matter of "respect", and fined him for leaving early during a match against Tottenham.

In 11/2022, Ronaldo publicly criticized Ten Hag and Man Utd in a 90-minute interview on "Piers Morgan Uncensored". More than a week later, the Old Trafford club decided to terminate the 41-year-old player's contract six months early.

During a conversation on the "Rio Ferdinand Presents" podcast in late 2024, Ronaldo again attacked Ten Hag for making inappropriate statements as Man Utd's head coach. The Dutch coach later retorted that Ronaldo "is too far away in Saudi Arabia" to be aware of Man Utd's current situation.

Despite a controversial departure, Ronaldo has affirmed his affection for Man Utd. In another conversation with Piers Morgan, the Portuguese superstar admitted feeling sad to see his former club decline. "It is one of the most important clubs in the world and remains in my heart", he said.

Ronaldo believes Man Utd's problems extend beyond the coach or players, residing in the overall structure. He recalled the period when the team achieved success by developing players from the club's academy, such as David Beckham, Gary Neville, and Paul Scholes.

"I won the Champions League, the Ballon d'Or, and more than a dozen titles here. Man Utd will always be in my heart. But we must be frank: they are not heading in the right direction. The club needs change, and in my opinion, it is not just about the coach or the players", Ronaldo emphasized.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)