Former Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro has openly criticized ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag for his handling of Cristiano Ronaldo during their time together at Old Trafford.
Castro, who shared a positive and productive relationship with Ronaldo during their spell at Al-Nassr, expressed his disbelief at Ten Hag’s inability to accommodate the Portuguese star in his starting lineup. In an interview with Sky Sports, the 65-year-old tactician questioned the Dutch manager’s rigid approach to team management.
“I don’t see any reason why Ten Hag couldn’t find a place for Cristiano in his XI,” Castro said. “We look at each player and we adjust things. We adjust according to their identity. That is exactly what I do – with Cristiano and with everyone else. That is my duty as a leader, as a coach.”
He added, “I cannot stick rigidly to a tactical system and refuse to change.”
During his second spell at Manchester United, Ronaldo often found himself on the bench under Ten Hag, leading to tensions between the two. Their strained relationship eventually reached a breaking point, as Ronaldo felt humiliated by his treatment and publicly voiced his dissatisfaction.
Ten Hag reportedly believed that Ronaldo, due to his age, was no longer capable of playing the high-pressing style the Dutchman wanted to implement. As a result, Ronaldo was deemed unsuitable for the manager’s tactical plans.
The situation culminated in Ronaldo’s contract being terminated by mutual consent in late 2022, bringing an end to his time at Manchester United for the second time in his career.
