British broadcaster and football enthusiast Piers Morgan has reignited criticism of former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag following Cristiano Ronaldo’s heroic performance in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final win over Spain. Ronaldo, 40, not only scored a crucial equaliser during the match but also helped guide Portugal to a historic penalty shootout victory, prompting Morgan to contrast the football legend’s success with the managerial downfall of ten Hag.
The match, held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, was a thrilling showcase of endurance and elite football. It ended 2-2 after extra time, with Ronaldo netting a vital goal to keep Portugal alive. The Portuguese side then emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, defeating Spain 5-3 and becoming the first nation to win the UEFA Nations League twice — having also lifted the inaugural title in 2019.
Shortly after the final whistle, Morgan took to social media platform X to praise Ronaldo while taking a sharp swipe at his critics — particularly Erik ten Hag and former Portugal coach Fernando Santos. “Erik ten Hag treated Ronaldo like dirt and drove him out of United,” Morgan wrote. “Roberto Martinez backed him to be his main man for Portugal at 40. One got fired, the other just won a trophy. Moral? Don’t disrespect the greatest to ever play the game.”
Morgan, a longtime supporter of Ronaldo, has consistently voiced his disapproval of how the Portuguese icon was handled during his second stint at Manchester United. His recent comments come as a direct response to Ronaldo’s continued success on the international stage, in contrast to ten Hag’s turbulent managerial journey since parting ways with the forward.
Cristiano Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United in the summer of 2021 from Juventus, in a move that generated enormous excitement among fans. The transfer, reportedly worth €17 million, saw the five-time Ballon d’Or winner return to Old Trafford, where he had made his name as a global superstar.
During his first season back at United, Ronaldo was one of the team’s top performers under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær. He delivered several match-winning performances and scored a total of 24 goals in all competitions. However, Solskjær was sacked midway through the season following a poor run of results, and Dutch tactician Erik ten Hag was appointed as his permanent successor in 2022.
Ten Hag’s arrival marked the beginning of a rocky period for Ronaldo at the club. Under the new manager, the veteran forward found himself increasingly benched and marginalized. The frosty relationship between the two eventually reached a breaking point when Ronaldo gave an explosive interview criticizing the club’s management and lack of respect from ten Hag. That interview ultimately led to the termination of his contract by mutual consent in late 2022.
Ronaldo subsequently moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he continued to deliver impressive performances, becoming a global ambassador for the Saudi Pro League and maintaining his fitness and form.
Meanwhile, ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United continued to decline. Despite initially winning the Carabao Cup in early 2023, his second season was marred by inconsistent performances, internal locker room issues, and a failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The mounting pressure led to his dismissal in 2024, after which he was replaced by rising Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim. Ten Hag has since taken up a new challenge in the Bundesliga, having been appointed as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen.
For Piers Morgan and many Ronaldo supporters, the contrasting paths of Ronaldo and ten Hag offer what they see as poetic justice. “There’s a reason legends are called legends,” Morgan said in a follow-up post. “Ronaldo never stopped believing, never stopped working, and now he’s making history again — while others are busy watching from the sidelines.”
The Nations League final itself was a high-octane match that tested the stamina and experience of both squads. After Spain took an early lead, Ronaldo answered with a powerful equaliser that reignited Portugal’s hopes. The game swung back and forth, with neither side able to claim victory in regulation or extra time. In the penalty shootout, Portugal converted all five of their penalties, while Spain faltered after Alvaro Morata missed his shot — a costly error that sealed their fate.
Ronaldo’s leadership on the pitch was undeniable, directing play, encouraging his teammates, and maintaining composure throughout the nerve-wracking shootout. Speaking after the win, he reflected on the personal meaning of the victory. “This title means a lot. At 40, to still compete and help my country win gives me immense pride,” he said. “Football is about passion, resilience, and never giving up.”
He also made headlines for joking about how his children — who are Spanish by nationality — often tease him at home. “My children are Spanish and they joke with me, saying ‘the trophy is for Spain.’ Now they’ve seen their dad beat Spain — they’ll have to show me more respect,” he said with a smile.
The moment not only cemented another international title for Ronaldo but also reignited conversation about his status among football’s all-time greats. Despite the years, the doubters, and the critics, Ronaldo once again stood tall when it mattered most.
As Portugal celebrates a record second UEFA Nations League trophy, fans and pundits alike are left marveling at Ronaldo’s longevity and unyielding hunger for success. For critics like Erik ten Hag and Fernando Santos, it serves as a pointed reminder — you write off Cristiano Ronaldo at your own risk.
