Piers Morgan has launched a scathing attack on Erik ten Hag following the sacking of Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
After being left out of United’s traveling party for Saturday night’s match against Chelsea, the 37-year-old is bracing for crisis talks on Tuesday. That punishment was imposed after Ronaldo allegedly refused to come on in the closing stages of their midweek win over Tottenham.
After being named as a substitute against Tottenham, Ronaldo made headlines by walking down the Old Trafford tunnel before the final whistle. Manager Ten Hag stated that the matter would be handled internally, and a statement later confirmed that he would not be involved at Stamford Bridge.
Ten Hag has largely remained silent on the incident, insisting that it be handled internally and that Ronaldo still has a future with the club. His precarious situation at the club, however, shows no signs of abating, with Red Devils legend Gary Neville urging the two parties to “end their relationship.”
Piers Morgan, a TV broadcaster, has a close personal relationship with Ronaldo and has publicly criticized Ten Hag’s record as a player and coach. He also claimed that reports that the veteran striker has received no interest from clubs are a “lie leaked by United management.”
On Saturday, he tweeted, “More lies leaked by United management to damage him…
@Cristiano was offered 130 million euros to play in Saudi Arabia for one season but turned it down.”
Ronaldo had already incurred Ten Hag’s wrath during his first season as manager when he walked out of a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano. He insisted that all players in his squad be held to the same standards as he works to establish his culture at the club.
Morgan responded, saying, “Ten Hag trying to lecture @Cristiano on standards & values while purposefully humiliating him… what a joke.” One is the greatest footballer of all time and a four-time world champion… The other was a c*** player who, as a manager, couldn’t win a conker fight outside of Holland.” If you believe Ten Hag knows more about the standards and culture required to win football matches than @Cristiano, you should see a doctor immediately.”
And the former Good Morning Britain host claimed he is being kept up to date on the situation, with the pair ‘texting all the time’ ahead of their meeting on Tuesday. According to Mirror Football, Ronaldo and Ten Hag will meet at Carrington later this week, after the rest of the squad was given the day off on Monday.
According to recent reports, United may terminate Ronaldo’s contract early in order to facilitate a January exit, which Neville believes should be considered.
“I have to say as someone in the dressing room, it’s something that’s unacceptable,” he told Sky Sports ahead of United’s match against Chelsea. When it comes to whether Cristiano Ronaldo should be selected, which is Cristiano Ronaldo’s main issue right now – that he isn’t playing – Manchester United are better off without him, and Erik ten Hag knows it.
“The only thing Cristiano and the club can do is get together in the next week and end the relationship,” he added. Cristiano is a fantastic player and a fantastic character, and the club must move on.”