Erik ten Hag has put his crisis talks over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo on hold in order to jet to Switzerland to hold discussions with rival bosses.
Ronaldo gave a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, which has been released over the course of the past few days. In it, the Portugal captain blasted Manchester United 's senior executives, Ten Hag and the Glazers in an extraordinary attack on the Red Devils.
United boss Ten Hag immediately entered into crisis talks about what action the club could take, with reports emerging Ronaldo could even be sacked. But the Dutchman has broken off those discussions to fly out to UEFA's Elite Club Coaches Forum.
The forum sees top European coaches gather to exchange views on the biggest issues affecting their clubs and the challenges they face in their jobs. It had taken a two-year break during the Covid-19 pandemic but returned this year just before the World Cup.
Ten Hag was one of the coaches invited, alongside Carlo Ancelotti, David Moyes, Thomas Tuchel and Luciano Spalletti. Among the topics they discussed were the new format of European club competitions from 2024 and the financial sustainability system.
Unsurprisingly, refereeing matters were also discussed at length, with VAR intervention, the Laws of the Game, respect, player behaviour and referee statistics all coming under scrutiny by the group.
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Given the storm surrounding Ronaldo this week, Ten Hag may have been forgiven for wanting to continue his talks on the superstar's future. But the Dutchman insisted the forum was something he had been keen to attend.
“We met in a little bit more relaxed ambient to talk about the game, coaching, managing and training, and to learn from each other. So, it is really good. It is also good to meet with UEFA, to give opinions and tell what’s on our minds. It’s about making the game better," he said.
Ten Hag is yet to publicly discuss the situation surrounding Ronaldo since clips of the interview began to emerge. And United have also insisted they will wait for the full interview to be aired before they discuss the matter.
" Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo. The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established," a club statement released on Monday read.
"Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans."
In the interview, Ronaldo took aim at Ten Hag, insisting he had 'no respect' for the Dutchman. The attacker attempted to defend his actions by claiming he only wants what is best for the Red Devils.
"I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me. If you don't have respect for me, I'm never gonna have respect for you. I think the fans should know the truth. I want the best for the club," he said.
"This is why I come to Manchester United. But you have some things inside that don't help [us] reach the top level as City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal...a club with this dimension should be top of the tree in my opinion and they are not unfortunately."
