Erik ten Hag has hit back at criticism from Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who claimed that he had no respect for the Dutchman.

Ronaldo, who spent two spells at United varying in success, made headlines after publicly criticising the mentality of the Red Devils manager, who he worked under during his second stint at Old Trafford.

In an interview with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo revealed that he ‘did not respect’ Ten Hag and believes that United cannot compete in the Premier League with the coach’s mentality.

The Dutchman did not take long to share his views on the comments, choosing to answer questions on the matter during Friday’s press conference ahead of United’s trip to St Mary’s to face Southampton.

“He said Manchester United can’t win it?,” he told reporters. “No, he said it. He is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have and is entitled to have an opinion, it is okay.”

The 39-year-old, who left United midway through his second season in 2022 after falling out with Ten Hag, made the move to the Saudi Pro League to join Al-Nassr at the start of 2023.

He struggled for success during his most recent spell at Old Trafford, but netted 44 goals in 45 games in the Middle East last season. He’s contracted with Al-Nassr until the end of the current campaign and is still committed to achieving success on the international stage with Portugal.

Meanwhile, United will hope to improve on their start to the 2024/25 campaign when they face Southampton on Saturday. The Red Devils took just three points from as many fixtures after falling to defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and rivals Liverpool before the international break.

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