Erik ten Hag has hit back at criticism from Cristiano Ronaldo that he lacks ambition, and suggested the former Manchester United star is out of touch with the situation at Old Trafford because he plays in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo, who left two years ago and joined Al-Nassr after a bombshell interview criticising Ten Hag and the club, reignited his war of words with the Dutchman this week by saying no United boss should admit his team cannot win the Premier League.

But Ten Hag claimed that Ronaldo made similar comments about United’s prospects in the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, and made a pointed reference to the fact the 39-year-old now plays in the Saudi Pro League club.

‘He said that, that Manchester United can’t win the Premier League,’ said Ten Hag. ‘He said this if you read the article very well. He is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester, so everyone can have an opinion and is entitled to have an opinion. It is okay.’

Ten Hag has had a difficult start to the season, losing two of his first three games ahead of tomorrow’s (sat) lunchtime clash at Southampton. United haven’t lost three Premier League games in a row since 2015 under Louis van Gaal.