I didn’t lose a wink of sleep over axing Cristiano Ronaldo… without rules you create a mess, says Man Utd boss Ten Hag

ERIK TEN HAG insists that giving Cristiano Ronaldo the boot did not cost him a wink of sleep.

The Manchester United boss has made a string of huge decisions — including dumping Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo saw his Manchester United contract ripped up in DecemberGetty

Erik ten Hag has been praised for his handling of the Ronaldo sagaRex

Asked if there was a lack of discipline at United, Ten Hag replied: “There was — and I don’t have to lie about it.

“Top players like structure, not only on the pitch, so you need some rules.

“In every organisation when there are no rules and discipline in taking the rules seriously, you create a mess.

“It was quite obvious because I could see on the pitch what was going on.”

Ten Hag was only three games into his reign last summer when he axed Ronaldo for the visit of Sunday’s opponents Liverpool.

It was a sign of what was to come for a player many felt was having a poor influence — and he was axed after slating the club in a TV interview.

The Dutchman admitted: “I had reasons and I also knew the consequence if it was a negative outcome.

“But I am not worrying and I sleep well in those nights.

“I have to take decisions in respect of advancing the club.

“I have to see and face the consequences, the impact of the decisions.”

Since Ronaldo was chopped, United have been transformed and are the only side chasing silverware on four fronts.