Cristiano Ronaldo Calls for Major Rebuild at Manchester United to Restore Glory

Written By : Leah De-Graft Takyi

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, believes that Manchester United needs a complete overhaul to reclaim its former glory. The Portuguese superstar, who has had two stints with the club, shared his thoughts during a recent episode of the “Rio Ferdinand Presents” podcast.

Ronaldo expressed his concerns about the current state of the team, particularly the mindset of the coaching staff and manager Erik ten Hag. He pointed out that the coaches have publicly stated they cannot compete for top honors like the Premier League and the Champions League. “If you’re a Manchester United coach, you cannot say that,” Ronaldo said . “You have to mentally say, listen, maybe we don’t have that potential … but we’re going to try.” He added.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson led the club to its last Premier League title in 2013, Manchester United has struggled to find its footing. Under various managers, including ten Hag, the team finished a disappointing eighth in the league last season—its worst performance ever. Although they managed to win the FA Cup by defeating rivals Manchester City, the start of the current season has been shaky, with only one win and two losses in their opening matches.

Ronaldo acknowledged that rebuilding takes time and effort. “This club needs time to rebuild,” he said. “It is still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change. They understand that it’s the only way.” He believes that it’s not just about having talented players; the entire club must work together as a cohesive unit.

The 39-year-old forward, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, still has a deep love for Manchester United and wishes to see it thrive. He noted that recent changes, like the addition of former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to the coaching staff, could make a positive impact. “You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge,” Ronaldo stated. He believes that having former players involved in the club’s operations is crucial, as they truly understand the game.

Ronaldo, who recently scored his 900th career goal for Portugal, is a testament to hard work and dedication. During his first spell at United, he evolved from a promising winger into a world-class striker, scoring 145 goals before making a record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid.