Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, has come under fire for his recent remarks about forward Cristiano Ronaldo from the former manager of Tottenham Hotspur, Tim Sherwood.

Sherwood advised Ten Hag to hold his tongue after he claimed that Ronaldo was the team's fifth-choice captain.

When Manchester United lost to Aston Villa on Sunday in the Premier League, 3-1, Ronaldo was named the team's captain.

Due to the absence of both defender Harry Maguire, who started on the bench, and midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended for the game, the 37-year-old assumed the captain's role.

Harry Maguire, our club captain, is on the bench, and Ten Hag explained the current status of captains at Manchester United in his postgame remarks at Villa Park. David de Gea, a goalkeeper who is far from the outfield but a leader nonetheless, is the next topic.

When Casemiro is speaking imperfect English, Cristiano takes over as the team's leader.

Sherwood, who disapproved of Ten Hag's post-game remarks, was harsh in his criticism of the former Ajax coach and provided a breakdown of his leadership rankings.

“Basically, what he’s saying is that he was the fifth choice, wasn’t he? I just don't know why he has to justify why he’s given Cristiano Ronaldo the armband. "Just keep your mouth shut,” Sherwood told talkSPORT.