Cristiano Ronaldo has hit out at Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and insisted the Dutchman’s mentality is hindering the club’s chances of success.

The 39-year-old spent half a season at Old Trafford under Ten Hag at the start of the 2022-23 season but saw his second stint at Old Trafford end somewhat unexpectedly after it was made clear he was not in the manager’s plans. As a result, Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr in January 2023.

But nearly two years after leaving United, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has taken a fresh swipe at Ten Hag, who has overseen two defeats from the season’s first three Premier League games.

“To prove that I’m right or wrong, this is not my issue anymore. I say what I have to say and for me it’s done,” said Ronaldo on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. “But to be honest with you, what I wish for Manchester, it’s what I wish for me. The best they can make, again the best team they can and I love that club, you know, I’m not, I’m not that kind of guy that forgot the past.

“But as I told you, Manchester, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion. The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League.

“Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. You have to be, to mentally say, listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try. You have to try.”

After re-signing for the club in 2021, Ronaldo’s second stint at United ended in sour circumstances as he was made to train with the club’s under-21s side for storming down the tunnel when not selected by Ten Hag in a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in October.

As a result, Ronaldo was suspended for the Reds’ game against Chelsea the following weekend, with Ten Hag using a pre-match press conference to remind Ronaldo of his conduct at Old Trafford.

“He also has to be aware that you always get [judged] by the moment and how you are acting today,” said the Dutchman. “Especially in top sport, it is about today. It is not about age or reputation. When you are in top sport you get judged by the moment and how you act; that’s normal.

“We have to be aware of that – everyone, not only Cristiano, as a team, as a manager and as a club.”

Following that disciplinary, Ronaldo would only play for United twice more in the Premier League before moving to Saudi Arabia in the New Year.