Ten Hag downplayed Cristiano Ronaldo and his departure from Manchester United: "It's part of the past."

The turbulent relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik Ten Hag came to an end just a few weeks ago, when Manchester United confirmed that the 37-year-old footballer will no longer be part of the team. There was no farewell, at least publicly, between the coach and the forward, who is currently focused on the Portuguese national team in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Only through a controversial interview with journalist Piers Morgan it was known that 'CR7' did not have respect for the Netherlands-born coach. So, after those player's remarks last month, right before the World Cup started, it was the turn of the 'Red Devils' coach, who granted an interview to the institution's Premier League page.

"He left, it's part of the past", minimized Ten Hag Cristiano's departure. Then, the Dutch coach implied that they can now focus on the collective objectives demanded by such an important club as the 'Red Devils': "Now we look forward, we look to the future", he said.

In this line, the former Ajax coach insinuated that without Ronaldo, only the athletes committed to Manchester United's project will remain, and from there, they can be more competitive. "You need the right personalities in the dressing room, not just to win a match, but to win trophies", he stated.

Life without Cristiano Ronaldo

With the chapter of the Portuguese goalscorer closed, Ten Hag eagerly awaits the return to activity after Qatar 2022. Then, the coach revealed what he told his players: "We warned the players that once they are out of the World Cup, they will have to return to the club and the league, which will start immediately afterwards", he specified.

And, about those still competing in the World Cup, he hopes that one of his players lifts the trophy on December 18th or, if not, quickly recovers to be able to rejoin the dynamics of Manchester United.

"You have to be prepared, but I believe that our players are accustomed to this. They are winners and now they are fighting for the World Cup. I hope one of them wins it, but when they are eliminated they will have to handle the situation. They have to be ready for the next challenge", he concluded.