Stuart Pearce believes that Erik ten Hag's ruthless management of Cristiano Ronaldo provided the turning point in Manchester United's season.
Ronaldo left United in November following a scathing interview with Piers Morgan in which the 38-year-old admitted he had no respect for Ten Hag. The Dutchman himself remained respectful while sanctioning a swift termination of the forward's contract during the World Cup break.
Since the return of domestic football, the Reds have won 12 of their 16 games across all competitions, cementing their place in the Premier League's top four and reaching the final of the Carabao Cup.
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“I think [Ten Hag] has pushed them to somewhere near title contenders at this stage, I would say,” Pearce told talkSPORT. “I think this season may be too soon for them [to win the title], but I would say for a growing process over the next few months, there’s no reason why they can’t come back to the table next year as Premier League contenders. I don’t think they’ve been there for a number of years.”
"The Ronaldo situation was important to his evolution at the club. Once he got the fans onboard having done what he did with Ronaldo, I think that was it. It was a cakewalk for him and the team are playing from strength to strength.”
As well as a strong league standing and a trip to Wembley to face Newcastle, United are hopeful of coming out on top in their Europa League play-off tie against Barcelona. The teams drew 2-2 at Camp Nou on Thursday, with Ten Hag's side holding home advantage for the return leg next week.
Ronaldo's departure also coincided with Marcus Rashford entering arguably the best form of his career. The 25-year-old scored his 11th goal of 2023 in Spain - three more than any other striker across Europe's top five leagues - and now has 22 for the season, equalling his best-ever tally.
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