How Erik ten Hag’s issue with Cristiano Ronaldo started: Wesley Sneijder

Former Inter Milan midfielder, Wesley Sneijder has revealed that Erik ten Hag’s decision to ditch Cristiano Ronaldo was the beginning of his downfall at Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United was cut short after the Portuguese star fell out with Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo clashed with Erik ten Hag after he was dropped to the bench during the early weeks of his Old Trafford tenure. Things got heated when Ronaldo revealed in an interview that he felt betrayed.

After weeks of drama, Ronaldo’s contract was terminated by mutual agreement and he went on to sign for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Former Netherlands midfielder Sneijder gave a forthright opinion on the causes of Ten Hag’s problems as he fights to keep his job.

‘Should I tell you where it went wrong for Erik ten Hag?’ Sneijder told Veronica Offside, as per Voetbal Primeur.

‘On the day that he decided to battle Cristiano Ronaldo. That’s where he started losing all the respect.

‘He thought it would work out well for him, but it’s the opposite.

‘Everyone in the dressing room wondered if he is alright in the head by doing that.’

Ronaldo has continued to play at the highest level in Saudi Arabia but has been caught up in some controversial situations.

On the other hand, Erik ten Hag is under serious pressure and could lose his job even if United beat Manchester City to win next month’s FA Cup final.

New part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team are weighing up whether Ten Hag is the right man to take United forward.