Ronaldo wages is actually a big problem why he has not gotten offer. Second thing could be his attitude and how he left his last two clubs. Third thing might be his age, many big clubs prefer to build there team around younger players and Ronaldo's likes could hinder there progress
In my opinion, a cut in wages should not be the main problem for Cristiano Ronaldo. I think the main problem for him is going to be finding a good team. Not many teams are interested in him right now. And I think a big reason for that is the salary. If he can take a decent pay cut I think he will be able to find a good team. I think if he prioritizes salary right now he is not going to get a good team.
Erik ten Hag probably did what he needed to do. He wanted to bring in good results. And he was ready to go to any depth to do that. So, I don't think I can say that he made a mistake. And obviously, it was also not the mistake of Cristiano Ronaldo to taking the decision not to leave Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo hope that everything will be alright with Manchester United and him at the time but that time never came.