A verbal sparring match between Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo has broken out ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League match this coming weekend against Southampton. Even though the Portuguese striker is no longer a Red Devil, he nevertheless discussed the team candidly on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. The former Real Madrid player claimed that for the team to be competitive for prizes, it must be completely rebuilt.

In response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s assertion that Manchester United must rebuild the team in order to contend for the biggest titles, Erik ten Hag has answered.Ten Hag emphasized that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner ought to be evaluated in May rather than after three Premier League games, while acknowledging that the player has the right to voice his opinions.Ronaldo was frank about the club’s situation when he made the remarks on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.

“They need to rebuild everything, in my opinion,” he remarked.”The team still ranks among the best in the world, but they must alter. They need time to rebuild.”They understand that it is the only way.”The former Real Madrid player accused the United manager of downplaying his team’s prospects of winning championships, making specific reference to Ten Hag.

“The coach, they said they cannot compete to win the league and Champions League,” he added.”As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League. “You have to tell yourself in your head that perhaps we are not that talented, but I can’t say that. I can only say, “We’re going to try, you have to try.”At a news conference held in advance of United’s Premier League matchup with Southampton on Saturday—which is televised live on TNT Sports and discovery+—Ten Hag recognized Ronaldo’s remarks.”He said that Manchester United can’t win the Premier League,” Ten Hag remarked.

Someone in the room tried to say anything at that time, but the Dutchman just kept saying what he had said.”No, he said this, have you read the article very well?” Ten Hag enquired.Thus, he is located far from Manchester and far away in Saudi Arabia. Everyone is free to express their opinions and is allowed to do so.It’s alright. We’ll check in again in May of the following year.It’s early in the season, so the focus is on taking home trophies and ranking as high as possible. Naturally, we should try our hardest to win every game in the league, and we’ll find out where we are in May.”The Red Devils’ losses against Brighton and Liverpool have dropped them to 14th place in the Premier League.