Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit by saying ‘he’s gone and it’s the past’

Erik ten Hag has broken his silence on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man United exit by saying ‘he’s gone and it’s the past’ before insisting the club are ‘looking to the future’.

The United boss was speaking during a two-part interview while he and the squad are at a winter training camp in Spain.

When asked by former footballer and MUTV presenter Danny Webber about the January transfer window and how he has managed the departure of Ronaldo, ten Hag replied: ‘He’s gone and it’s the past. 

‘We are now looking forward and we’re looking to the future.’

It was a short yet telling response which helps put to bed a chaotic time at the club following Ronaldo’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan where he declared he had no respect for the United boss.

It’s the first time ten Hag has addressed Ronaldo’s departure since his interview with Piers Morgan

At the time Ronaldo accused Ten Hag and United executives of trying to force him out of the club, saying he has no respect for the Dutchman and feels ‘betrayed’.

‘I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,’ said Ronaldo.

‘Some people, they don’t want me here – not only the coach but the other two or three guys. Not only this year, but last year too.

‘Honestly, I shouldn’t say that. But listen, I don’t care. People should listen to the truth. Yes, I feel betrayed.’  

The Portuguese star went on to attack the state of the club, former managers and players before his contract was inevitably torn up, leaving him without a team going into the World Cup. 

Ronaldo fuelled more frustration, this time in his international manager, Fernando Santos, who felt compelled to drop him for his side’s clash with Switzerland after the forward made a ‘shh’ gesture by bringing his finger to his lips when being taken off. 

The Portuguese captain also made his own way to the dressing room following the game, having come on as a late substitute.