Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic footballer who recently rejoined Manchester United, has openly criticized the club’s manager, Erik ten Hag, and called for a complete rebuild of the team. Ronaldo’s comments come as Manchester United faces pressure after finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, their lowest in history, and enduring two defeats in their first three games of the current campaign.
In an upcoming episode of the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ronaldo expressed his concerns about Ten Hag’s mentality, stating, “The coach says they cannot compete to win the [Premier] League and Champions League. As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League. Mentally [you can] say maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try, you have to try.”
Ronaldo’s passion for the club is evident as he emphasized his love for Manchester United and his desire to see them reach their full potential. During his previous six-year stint at the club, Ronaldo won numerous titles, including three Premier League championships, the Champions League, two League Cups, and an FA Cup. He left for Real Madrid in 2009 but returned to Manchester United from Juventus in August 2021 before moving to Al-Nassr in December 2022.
The Portuguese forward highlighted the lack of evolution at the club since the retirement of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. While Manchester United has not won a Premier League title since then, there are hopes for improvement following the recent purchase of a 25% stake in the club by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the involvement of his Ineos team in football operations.
Ronaldo believes that Manchester United needs a complete rebuild from the bottom up to regain its status as one of the best clubs in the world. He commended the club’s efforts to invest in the training ground and make structural changes, expressing his optimism for a brighter future. However, he emphasized that talent alone is not enough and that the club must prioritize rebuilding and restructuring.
Interestingly, Ronaldo praised the appointment of another former teammate, Ruud van Nistelrooy, to Ten Hag’s coaching staff. He believes that Van Nistelrooy’s knowledge and understanding of the club can contribute significantly to its improvement. Ronaldo emphasized the importance of listening to individuals who have been part of the club and have firsthand experience in the dressing room, such as Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, and Sir Alex Ferguson.
In conclusion, Cristiano Ronaldo’s candid remarks about Manchester United’s current state and the need for a rebuild highlight his passion for the club and his desire to see it succeed. His comments reflect the frustrations of both fans and players who want Manchester United to reclaim its former glory. With the club’s recent changes and investments, there is hope for a brighter future. However, it is essential for the management to listen to individuals with deep knowledge and experience within the club to bring about meaningful change. Only through a comprehensive rebuild can Manchester United regain its competitive edge and once again compete for football’s biggest prizes.