Erik ten Hag brushed aside Cristiano Ronaldo's criticism about his ambition as the under-fire Manchester United manager says he shuts out the external noise.
The 39-year-old's second spell at Old Trafford ended in a high-profile break-up in November 2022 after making a variety of eye-catching comments in an interview, including criticising his manager.
Ronaldo this week hit out at Ten Hag again for having said the club were a long way away from winning the Premier League and Champions League, saying a United manager cannot say that.
The Al-Nassr star also told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast that United need to "rebuild everything" and that it "will be difficult" for them to challenge for the biggest trophies.
When Ronaldo's comments about his mentality were put to him, Ten Hag said: "He said that Manchester United can't win the Premier League. No, he said this if you read the article very well.
"So, he's far away in Saudi, far from Manchester. Everyone is entitled to have an opinion. It's OK."
Ronaldo's interview has added to the noise during an international break that immediately followed a 3-0 home humbling by Liverpool.
Asked how the noise around United affects him, Erik ten Hag said: "It doesn't impact me. I know in the process where we are, what we have to do, where we are going.
"I have said before we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players also in the team.
"We are still dealing with injuries, we have to bring the injuries back in the team.
"Before anyone thinks about excuses, no, we have to win every game.
"I know that, the team knows this and it doesn't matter who is available. We will focus on every game and have in every game the mindset that we have to win."
Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia are out of the trip to Southampton, while Victor Lindelof has been dealing with a toe injury.
Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund remain absent with calf and hamstring complaints respectively, but new signing Manuel Ugarte could make his debut.
"Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw they are progressing very well but not ready for this game," Ten Hag said.
"Manuel Ugarte, I think we all have seen he played for Uruguay.
"He returned this afternoon, he was the only player who returned today. All the other players returned yesterday, so he is available for this game."
