MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand opened up on a “sticky” meeting with manager Erik ten Hag following a tell-all interview with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo, 39, lasted less than half a season under Ten Hag, 54, at Old Trafford after the pair had a major bust-up and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was axed in 2022.
The star forward, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, slammed the Dutch tactician on his way out during a sensational interview that led to his contract being terminated.
The Portugal captain met fellow United great Ferdinand, 45, last week and doubled down with some more criticism claiming the Red Devils need to “rebuild everything”.
The Real Madrid legend also targeted Ten Hag once more for suggesting that a club of Man Utd’s stature can’t compete for the biggest trophies.
Ferdinand met Ten Hag about an hour after the heated interview aired and expected an awkward meeting.
However, the legendary defender found a pleasant environment and the Dutchman didn’t seem shaken by Ronaldo‘s statement.
Ferdinand told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “It made it a bit sticky I’ve got to be honest with you.
“The interview with Cristiano dropped on the Thursday 8am or 9am that morning, I was in the training ground at 10am.
“I was walking and talking with Erik ten Hag doing an interview, training had finished, and I walked around.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
“I was looking at the pitch and two players were on there doing extras – shooting.
“Cracking up, laughing, doing a competition. Bruno [Fernandes] and Marcus Rashford.”
Ten Hag responded to Ronaldo’s statements before Saturday’s 3-0 win at Southampton.
Rather than offering a rebuttal to his swipe, the ex-Ajax boss instead suggested that the Portuguese star was the one who is claiming that United aren’t good enough to compete for the biggest titles.
Ten Hag said: “He said that Manchester United can’t win the Premier League. He said this if you read the article very well.
“He’s far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have an opinion. It’s okay.”
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
