Cristiano Ronaldo has weighed in on Manchester United’s ongoing struggles, claiming that the club’s problems go far beyond managerial decisions.
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, the Al Nassr forward expressed confidence that he could resolve the club’s issues if he were its owner. Ronaldo’s comments have sparked further discussion regarding the challenges facing the club since his departure in 2022.
Ronaldo dismissed criticism of new manager Ruben Amorim, who has faced increasing pressure after losing five of his first 10 games in charge, including four of the last five in the Premier League. Despite the struggles, Ronaldo argued that Amorim is not to blame for the club's shortcomings.
“The problem is not the coaches,” Ronaldo said. “Manchester United’s issues are much deeper. It’s like an aquarium—if the environment is bad, the fish will always struggle.” The Portuguese star’s analogy suggests that the core issues at Manchester United are systemic and not just related to the manager’s decisions.
The forward, who scored 145 goals during his two stints at Old Trafford, has been vocal in the past about the club’s shortcomings, particularly under the Glazer family’s ownership. Ronaldo emphasized the importance of ownership in shaping the direction of the club, reiterating his belief that it is the root cause of Manchester United’s ongoing struggles.
“If I owned the club, I would make things clear and address the problems,” Ronaldo stated. He acknowledged that although he has no immediate plans to become a club owner, he aspires to own a “big club” in the future, hinting at his long-term ambitions beyond his playing career.
Ronaldo also showed his support for Amorim, describing him as “fantastic” for his achievements at Sporting Lisbon, suggesting that the manager’s ability should not be in question. However, he also acknowledged the immense pressure faced by managers in the Premier League, labeling it “the most difficult league in the world.”
Despite his departure from Manchester United amid controversy, Ronaldo expressed his enduring affection for the club. “I hope the best for Manchester United. It’s a club I still love,” he said, reinforcing that, despite the difficulties, his connection to the club remains strong.
At the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo was honoured with the title of Best Middle East Player of 2024, a fitting recognition of his successful year playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. His outstanding performances in the Saudi Pro League continue to elevate his global stature and influence in the world of football.
