What were the basic reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester united a second time after his return to the club?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in the summer of 2021 sparked excitement, nostalgia, and global media buzz. After nearly a decade of footballing dominance at Real Madrid and a respectable stint at Juventus, fans were eager to witness a glorious homecoming at Old Trafford. But just over a year later, that fairytale turned sour. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner left Manchester United again in November 2022—this time under highly controversial circumstances.

So, what were the basic reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United a second time after his return to the club? To understand the full picture, we must explore various angles: from tactical disagreements and management issues to personal frustrations and the infamous Piers Morgan interview.

Let’s dive into the timeline, the internal politics, and the key events that shaped this dramatic exit.

The Return of a Legend: Ronaldo’s Second Coming

In August 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United amid roaring applause. Fans dreamed of title glories and Champions League runs. At 36 years old, Ronaldo was still in top form, finishing the 2020/21 Serie A season as the league’s top scorer.

Manchester United signed him from Juventus for an initial fee of around £12.8 million. For many, it wasn’t just a transfer—it was a symbolic reunion of legacy and ambition.

His second debut was nothing short of magical. A brace against Newcastle United reignited the Old Trafford roar. During the 2021/22 season, Ronaldo scored 24 goals across all competitions, including crucial Champions League strikes.

But beneath the surface, problems began to bubble.

Tactical Misfit and Changing Football Philosophies

One of the fundamental reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United a second time was his growing misalignment with the club’s tactical direction.

Ronaldo and the Modern Pressing Game

Modern football demands intense off-the-ball work, pressing from the front, and team-oriented movements. Ronaldo, at 37, was no longer the tireless winger he once was. His playing style—centered around positional awareness, clinical finishing, and fewer defensive duties—didn’t align with the pressing-heavy tactics employed by interim manager Ralf Rangnick and later Erik ten Hag.

Both managers stressed the importance of high energy, collective pressing, and dynamic build-up play. Ronaldo’s reluctance or inability to fit into this mold raised questions about his place in the starting XI.

A Role Demotion

While Ronaldo had started as the club’s talisman under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, things changed when Ten Hag took charge. He began the 2022/23 season on the bench more often than not. The Dutch manager preferred a front line of younger, more mobile players like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

For a player of Ronaldo’s stature and ambition, a bench role was unacceptable.

Strained Relationship with Erik ten Hag

Another major reason why Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United a second time was his deteriorating relationship with head coach Erik ten Hag.

Clashes on Discipline and Respect

Ten Hag was brought in to restore discipline and structure at a fractured Manchester United. While this worked well for some players, it clashed with Ronaldo’s superstar persona.

The most infamous moment came in October 2022 when Ronaldo walked down the tunnel before the final whistle in a match against Tottenham Hotspur. Ten Hag responded by dropping him from the squad for the following game. The incident showcased a power struggle that was becoming untenable.

Public Criticism and Lack of Communication

Reports suggested that communication between Ronaldo and Ten Hag had broken down. Ronaldo felt disrespected and marginalized, while Ten Hag believed he needed to prioritize team structure over individual stardom.

In the now-famous interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo stated, “I don’t have respect for him [Ten Hag] because he doesn’t show respect for me.” This public denouncement made it clear that reconciliation was impossible.

Club Instability and Off-the-Pitch Frustrations

Besides tactical and managerial issues, the instability at Manchester United played a big role in Ronaldo’s decision to leave.

Leadership Crisis and the Glazer Ownership

Ronaldo openly criticized Manchester United’s ownership structure. The Glazer family had long been under fire from fans for neglecting the club’s infrastructure, sporting direction, and overall ambition.

In his interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo lamented the outdated facilities, lack of innovation, and the club’s failure to evolve since his first stint. “Nothing had changed,” he said—a damning statement about a club that was once a model of excellence.

Ronaldo’s Vision vs. Club Reality

Ronaldo came back to win. He envisioned lifting major trophies and mentoring a new generation. But the reality was far from that. The club had gone from fighting for titles to battling for a top-four finish.

He was frustrated by what he perceived as a lack of ambition and leadership across all levels of the organization. This growing chasm between his goals and the club’s trajectory became another compelling reason for his departure.

The Piers Morgan Interview: The Final Straw

Perhaps the most pivotal reason why Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United a second time was his explosive interview with journalist Piers Morgan in November 2022.

A Public Burn of Bridges

In the 90-minute sit-down, Ronaldo expressed disappointment in club management, criticized Ten Hag, questioned the mentality of younger players, and exposed internal grievances.

Key revelations included:

• His lack of respect for Ten Hag.

• The club’s failure to support him during his daughter’s illness.

• Criticism of former teammates like Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.

• Condemnation of the club’s regression.

While fans were divided—some admired his honesty, others believed he disrespected the badge—the club viewed it as a breach of contract.

Contract Termination by Mutual Consent

Shortly after the interview aired, Manchester United released an official statement confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo would be leaving the club by mutual consent.

Though labeled “mutual,” it was clear the bridge had been burned beyond repair.

Influence of the World Cup and Future Ambitions

Timing also played a role in why Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United a second time. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was around the corner. Ronaldo wanted to enter the tournament without club-related distractions.

Being a free agent gave him the freedom to focus entirely on representing Portugal.

After the World Cup, Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr, a Saudi Arabian club, signaling a shift toward global footballing influence, commercial growth, and a different kind of legacy.

Conclusion: A Complex Exit, Not Just a Simple Goodbye

So, what were the basic reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United a second time after his return to the club?

In short:

• Tactical incompatibility with modern football and Ten Hag’s pressing demands.

• Reduced playing time and feelings of disrespect from the coaching staff.

• Breakdown in relationships, especially with Erik ten Hag.

• Disillusionment with the club’s direction, infrastructure, and ambition.

• The explosive interview with Piers Morgan that made his continued presence impossible.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United was a blend of highs and lows—goals, headlines, tension, and eventual separation. It serves as a modern football cautionary tale: even legends must adapt, and even giants must leave when the environment no longer suits their vision.

For fans, it was a bittersweet ending to what could have been a poetic last dance. But for Ronaldo, it was about preserving dignity, legacy, and pursuing a chapter where he could still be the central figure.