Cristiano Ronaldo has voiced strong opinions on Manchester United’s current state, focusing particularly on manager Erik ten Hag’s approach and the club’s need for significant changes. Ronaldo, who spent two periods at Old Trafford, believes that United is far from competing for major trophies and requires a complete overhaul to regain its former stature.
Ronaldo, now playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, expressed concerns about the mindset of Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag. In an interview on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ronaldo criticized Ten Hag’s outlook, particularly regarding the team’s potential to compete at the highest level. According to Ronaldo, the Dutch manager has suggested that the club cannot realistically aim to win the Premier League or the Champions League, a mentality the Portuguese star finds unacceptable.
Ronaldo’s comments also reflected on the club’s stagnation since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. He pointed out that there had been no significant evolution at the club in terms of its structure and ability to compete for top honors. Ronaldo, who returned to United in 2021 before moving to Al-Nassr in 2022, expressed his belief that Manchester United has not built upon its legacy, which once included Premier League dominance and European success.
Despite his criticisms, Ronaldo remains hopeful about United’s future, especially given the involvement of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently acquired a 25% stake in the club. Ronaldo believes Ratcliffe’s team understands the need for extensive changes to bring the club back to its former glory.
Ronaldo emphasized the need for a deep restructuring of Manchester United, including improvements in infrastructure and overall management. “The club must rebuild everything,” he said. While Ronaldo acknowledged that the team is still among the world’s elite, he insisted that significant change is essential if the club is to be competitive at the highest level once again.
He also praised the decision to bring in his former teammate, Ruud van Nistelrooy, to assist in the coaching staff, believing that the ex-United striker’s knowledge of the club could prove valuable. Ronaldo advised Ten Hag to consult with former players and figures familiar with the club’s culture, including legends like Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, and Sir Alex Ferguson, to help guide the club forward.
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