Luis Castro delivers scathing rebuke of Erik ten Hag over Ronaldo’s treatment at Manchester United
On Wednesday, May 21, former Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro took aim at ex-Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag, strongly criticizing his handling of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo during their time together at Old Trafford.
Castro, who worked closely with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr and reportedly enjoyed a strong professional relationship with the Portuguese star, questioned Ten Hag’s rigid tactical approach and apparent unwillingness to adapt his system to accommodate the veteran forward.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, the 65-year-old tactician expressed disbelief at Ten Hag’s failure to find a role for Ronaldo in United’s starting XI.
“We look at each player and we adjust things. We adjust according to their identity,” Castro said.
“That is exactly what I do – with Cristiano and with everyone else. That is my duty as a leader, as a coach.
“I cannot stick rigidly to a tactical system and refuse to change.”
Castro’s remarks come in the wake of Ronaldo’s turbulent spell under Ten Hag, during which the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was frequently benched, leading to public tension between the two.
Ten Hag, who had previously managed Ajax, reportedly believed Ronaldo was too old and unable to press, a key requirement in his tactical setup. Their deteriorating relationship eventually culminated in Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United in 2022, when his contract was terminated by mutual agreement.
Castro’s comments will likely resonate with critics of Ten Hag’s man-management style and reignite debates over how elite players like Ronaldo should be treated in the twilight of their careers.
