Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has provided a preview of Erik ten Hag’s strict discipline that led to Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. The Portuguese striker left last November after falling out with his Red Devils boss.
Fernandes spoke to United legend Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport and discussed the changes that came under Ten Hag. The former Sporting CP detailed in particular the rules that the manager has put in place at Old Trafford:
“Demand, demand people. You do it or you stay out. You don’t play. If a great player doesn’t do what he wants, he will destroy him. And he did, he did.” he did it with Cristiano (Ronaldo); he did it with Jadon (Sancho); He did it with Marcus (Rashford).”
Ten Hag is known for his strict discipline, which he clashed with Cristiano Ronaldo during the latter stages of his second spell at Manchester United. The legendary striker withdrew at half time in a home friendly against Rayo Vallecano earlier in the season, leaving the new manager unimpressed.
However, Ronaldo’s decision to storm the tunnel and refuse to come on as a substitute in the Red Devils’ 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in October was a major offence. The striker received a one-game ban from Ten Hag.
Ronaldo commented on the incident with regret, but insisted that Ten Hag disrespected him, telling British journalist Piers Morgan:
“It’s hard to tell you 100%, but let’s say I regret it, but in the same way I felt provoked by the coach… It’s not allowed, a coach puts three minutes into a game. I’m sorry, I’m not that kind of player. I know what I can give to the teams.”
The interview was Ronaldo’s last course of action as a Manchester United player. The Portuguese striker and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract in November last year.
Richard Keys claims Cristiano Ronaldo choked Marcus Rashford at Manchester United
BeIN Sports presenter Richard Keys says Ronaldo smothered Rashford at Old Trafford last season. He pointed to the fact that the striker has drastically improved after Ronaldo’s departure. Keys wrote on his blog:
“If (Erik) ten Hag has done anything to help (Marcus) Rashford, it was to get rid of (Cristiano) Ronaldo… He was a pain at the club and he stifled the life of players like Rashford. Here’s the proof: with Ronaldo As a starter for United, Rashford has scored eight goals in 19 games.”
Added keys:
“Now that Ronaldo is gone, they are 16 in 17 – 10 in 10 in the PL. Obviously, there are other factors, but those statistics don’t lie.”
🎙️| Erik ten Hag on Rashford:
🚨🎙️| Erik ten Hag on Rashford: “I can get even MORE from him. He has such high potential.” https://t.co/y83wUCxHvM
Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United left Ten Hag’s team in need of a leader to stand out after scoring 24 goals in 39 games in the 2021-22 season.
Rashford was the man to step in and fill Ronaldo’s boots and he has done it with style. He has scored 24 goals in 36 games in all competitions this season. The English attacker lives the best campaign of his career under the orders of Ten Hag.