Former Netherlands international Wesley Sneijder has launched a scathing critique of Erik ten Hag's handling of Cristiano Ronaldo during their encounter. Sneijder, who played alongside Ten Hag for Ajax, believes that the moment Ten Hag chose to challenge Ronaldo marked the beginning of his downfall.
Sneijder remarked, "Should I tell you where it went wrong for Erik ten Hag? On the day that he decided to battle Cristiano Ronaldo. That’s where he started losing all the respect." He continued, "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."
Ten Hag's decision to confront Ronaldo appears to have backfired, with Sneijder suggesting that it eroded respect within the team and raised doubts about Ten Hag's judgment among players. The remarks come amidst speculation about Ten Hag's future, particularly in light of Manchester United's managerial vacancy.
As discussions surrounding Ten Hag's suitability for the role at Manchester United intensify, Sneijder's comments add an intriguing dimension to the ongoing debate. The fallout from the confrontation with Ronaldo serves as a cautionary tale for managers navigating the complexities of handling superstar players.
With Ten Hag's managerial credentials under scrutiny, his handling of the Ronaldo incident may prove pivotal in shaping perceptions of his suitability for top-level management roles. As the football world awaits further developments, Sneijder's candid assessment offers valuable insight into the challenges faced by managers in elite football environments.
