Reaching star status in soccer is not easy. It requires enormous commitment both on and off the field. And if natural talent is not enough, it must be developed through relentless effort and repetition. Cristiano Ronaldo is a clear example of that path.

CR7 has won everything a footballer can achieve on the pitch, which has translated into enormous earnings through both performances and sponsorships. But everything shares one common denominator: success.

For forwards, that means scoring in nearly every match played, building a legend with each goal. That is why the Portuguese icon stands out among the best. He is also constantly compared to Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

The difference between the two is often described as clear. One is seen as a natural-born talent, while the other forged his greatness through daily work on the training ground and refinement during official matches.

The problems between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag

Against that backdrop, when Cristiano returned to Manchester United, he clashed with then-Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag for refusing to carry out certain instructions from his coach.

According to statements from Steve McClaren, who was part of ten Hag's staff at United, tensions between the striker and the manager arose because the Portuguese star did not want to press opponents as requested.

There was a lot of battles on that training field. There was a lot of "all I want you to do is this, this, this and this." That was Erik's coaching - Ronnie this is your job.

Steve McLaren

The assistant coach told the Daily Mail and added:

I used to say to Ronnie, "all he (Ten Hag) wants you to do is, you're the first press, make one run, make two runs, and maybe make a third one, if you feel like it. And then, recover back into the middle, in case we win the ball, and then we can play to you. That's all he wants you to do.

Steve McLaren

Faced with what was seen as Ronaldo's stubborn attitude, ten Hag preferred not to use him if he did not follow instructions. The coach did not want the star to feel above the rest of the squad.

If you can't do that, you won't be playing. Or if you won't do that, you can't be playing. Okay, or he (Ten Hag) won't pick you. I'm telling you, he won't pick you. It's not like, I think other people would, and that's the difference, other people would. But Erik was, no, I'm doing that, and he's (Ronaldo) got to do it, otherwise he doesn't play.

Steve McLaren

It was a little bit of a fight. Not a fight, but a standoff, and who is going to win? Erik stuck to his guns. I think most managers would accommodate to that. some managers are like that. But he stuck to his guns.

Steve McLaren

Competition Matches Goals Assists

Premier League 40 19 3

UEFA Champions League 7 6 0

Europa League 6 2 2

FA Cup 1 0 0

Total 54 27 5

Those numbers came at the end of his second spell with Manchester United in 2022, after which he moved to Al Nassr.