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Cristiano Ronaldo has warned that Manchester United need a complete rebuild following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club, and has spoken out about his bitter exit.
After Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in United earlier this year, Ronaldo is optimistic about the team’s future but warns that returning to the top flight of football will require patience.
“They (United) need to rebuild everything, in my opinion,” said Ronaldo, 39.
“This club needs time to rebuild because it is still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change. They understand that. That is the only way… They are investing in the training ground… So I am happy that (things are changing). I think the future will be bright.
“They have to rebuild from the bottom. If they don’t do that, they can’t compete. It will be impossible. They can do good things, yes, they can win the Carabao, yes, but I mean, the Champions League, the Europa League, the Premier League – difficult, in my opinion. And I hope I’m wrong, I hope so, but it will be difficult.”
Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia after the exit and played a major role with Al-Nassr, although he has not won any title in the Gulf state yet.
“I’m not happy with the way it all happened, but in the same way, we can’t control some points in our lives sometimes,” Ronaldo said.
“To prove me right or wrong, that’s not my problem anymore.”
Ronaldo parted ways with Manchester United by mutual consent after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised the club for failing to invest in the 13 years since he left Old Trafford.
He said he had no regrets about returning to United from Juventus in 2021 despite it not working out, and said he was only hoping for “the best” despite his unceremonious departure in November 2022.
“I said what I had to say and for me it’s over,” Ronaldo said. “But to be honest with you, what I wish for Manchester United is what I wish for myself. To do the best they can do, to do the best team they can have, and I love this club, as you know, I’m not the type to forget the past.”
“When I went back there, I was very happy. I was one of the best scorers. I did incredible things with the club. I did amazing things,” Ronaldo added.
Ronaldo, who scored 145 goals in 346 games for United during his two spells, admitted he suffered from the mentality of manager Erik ten Hag.
“Manchester United manager, you can’t say you’re not going to fight to win the league or the Champions League,” Ronaldo said. “You have to say in your mind: ‘Listen, maybe we don’t have this potential, but I can’t say that. We’re going to try. You have to try.'”
Ronaldo also welcomed the appointment of his former Manchester United teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy as Ten Hag’s assistant.
“I think Ruud will help the team because he has been inside the club. He knows the club and he knows the fans. And if the coach listens to him I think they can improve the club a little bit… The people who understand football 99% of the time are the people who have been in the dressing room and were players,” Ronaldo said.
United have won once and lost two of their opening three Premier League games so far this season.
United have one win and two draws in the Premier League this season.
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