Cristiano Ronaldo has shared his thoughts on Manchester United’s current state, urging the club to completely rebuild in order to reclaim its former glory. Ronaldo, who enjoyed two stints at Old Trafford before leaving two years ago, believes that significant changes are necessary for the club to compete at the highest level once again.
Ronaldo’s Vision for Manchester United’s Revival
In a candid conversation on the “Rio Ferdinand Presents” podcast, Ronaldo emphasized that a shift in mentality is crucial for Manchester United’s revival. According to him, the coaching staff and management, including Erik ten Hag, are limiting the team’s potential by expressing doubts about their ability to compete for top honors.
“The coaches, they say they cannot compete to win the league and the Champions League,” Ronaldo explained. “If you’re a Manchester United coach, you cannot say that. You must always have the mindset to fight for the league and the Champions League. Even if you don’t have the strongest squad, you have to try.”
Manchester United’s Struggles Since Ferguson’s Departure
Manchester United has struggled to regain its dominance since the departure of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Under Ferguson, the club secured its 13th Premier League title, but has since experienced a revolving door of managers and inconsistent performances.
Last season, with Dutchman Erik ten Hag at the helm, Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League—the club’s worst finish in its Premier League history. Despite this setback, the team managed to win the FA Cup, defeating cross-town rivals Manchester City.
The Need for Patience and a Long-Term Plan
Ronaldo highlighted that rebuilding Manchester United is a long-term process, and while the club remains one of the most renowned in the world, significant changes are required to restore its success.
“This club needs time to rebuild,” said Ronaldo. “It is still one of the best clubs in the world, but change is necessary. They understand that rebuilding is the only way to move forward.”
While Ronaldo remains optimistic about the club’s future, he warned that success will not come solely from relying on individual talent. “It’s not just about the players. It’s about the entire club functioning as a united force,” he said.
Challenges Ahead for Manchester United
Ronaldo also expressed concerns about Manchester United’s ability to compete at the highest levels, particularly in the Champions League and Premier League.
“They have to rebuild from the bottom up. If they don’t, they won’t be able to compete, and winning major titles will be impossible,” he stated. “Yes, they can win the Carabao Cup, but the Champions League or Premier League will be much more difficult.”
Despite his candid assessment, Ronaldo remains hopeful for the club’s future. He believes that with the right changes, Manchester United can return to competing for major titles, although he remains realistic about the challenges ahead.
Ronaldo’s Controversial Exit from Manchester United
Ronaldo’s second departure from Manchester United was marked by controversy. In 2022, he gave a fiery interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV, in which he revealed feelings of betrayal by the club and criticized Erik ten Hag. His relationship with the manager deteriorated to the point where Ronaldo refused to enter the pitch during a match against Tottenham Hotspur, opting to walk down the tunnel with time still remaining in the game.
Despite the contentious end to his time at United, Ronaldo has made it clear that he still holds the club in high regard and wishes it success in the future.
The Role of Former Players in the Rebuild
During his conversation with Ferdinand, Ronaldo expressed optimism about the recent addition of former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to the coaching staff. He believes that the Dutchman’s experience will be invaluable in helping Manchester United turn things around.
“You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge,” Ronaldo said. “It’s not about people who watch football on TV every day. The real understanding comes from those who have been on the pitch, in the dressing room, as players.”
Ronaldo’s emphasis on the importance of former players in shaping the future of the club underscores his belief that Manchester United’s path to success must be guided by those who truly understand the game from the inside.
Ronaldo’s Continued Success on the Global Stage
Now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo continues to make headlines with his performances on the international stage. He recently scored the 900th goal of his career while playing for Portugal against Croatia, further cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Just days later, he added to his tally by scoring against Scotland.
Ronaldo’s remarkable achievements during his time at Manchester United—scoring 145 goals and transforming from a skilled winger into a prolific goal-scorer—left an indelible mark on the club’s history. His move to Real Madrid in 2009 remains one of the most high-profile transfers in football history.
A Hopeful Yet Realistic Outlook for Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo’s call for a complete rebuild at Manchester United reflects his deep connection to the club and his desire to see it return to its winning ways. While he acknowledges the challenges ahead, he remains hopeful that with the right changes in mentality, coaching, and structure, Manchester United can once again compete for the top honors in world football.
