Cristiano Ronaldo said that Manchester United needs to rebuild after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club.
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Ronaldo says Manchester United must rebuild
Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in United earlier this year.
Ronaldo, 39, expressed optimism about the club’s future, though he understands that changes are necessary.
United are 1-2 in Premier League this season.
“They [United] need to rebuild everything, in my opinion,” Ronaldo said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast hosted by his former Man United teaammate.
“This club needs time to rebuild because it’s still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change. They understand that. This is the only way … They’re investing in the training ground … So I’m happy because [things are changing]. I believe that the future will be bright.”
“They have to rebuild from the bottom. If not, they cannot compete. It will be impossible. They can do good things, yes, they can win Carabao, yeah, but I mean, Champions League or Europa League or Premier League — difficult, in my opinion. And I wish that I’m wrong, I wish, but [it] will be difficult.”
What happened between Man United and Ronaldo?
The Portugal icon moved to Saudi Arabia to join Al Nassr after his departure in Old Trafford.
Ronaldo left United on a sour note in November 2022 after criticizing the club and manager Erik ten Hag in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
However, he did not regret rejoining the squad in 2021 after his stint with Juventus.
The forward scored a total of 145 goals in 346 appearances for United across his two stints.
Ronaldo recently became the first player in history to score 900 goals in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Croatia on Thursday.
“I said what I have to say and for me it’s done,” Ronaldo said. “But to be honest with you, what I wish for Manchester [United], it’s what I wish for me. The best they can make, again the best team they can [have] and I love that club, you know, I’m not that kind of guy that forgot the past.”
“When I’m back there, I was very happy,” Ronaldo added. “I was one of the best scorers. I did unbelievable things with the club, I did amazing.”
Meanwhile, Ronaldo took a subtle dig at Ten Hag’s mentality.
“Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League,” Ronaldo said. “You have to be, to mentally say, listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try. You have to try.”
“What I wish for Manchester [United], it’s what I wish for me – [to be] the best team they can. I love that club… I’m not that kind of guy that forgot the past.”
