Cristiano Ronaldo has offered his thoughts on Manchester United’s ongoing struggles, insisting that the club’s problems go far beyond new manager Ruben Amorim.
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he was named Best Middle East Player of 2024, Ronaldo revealed his continued love for the club while criticizing systemic issues that persist at Old Trafford.
Amorim, who took over as manager earlier this season, has faced immense pressure after losing five of his first 10 games in charge, including four of the last five Premier League matches.
Despite the poor results, Ronaldo defended his fellow Portuguese coach and dismissed the notion that he is to blame for United’s woes.
“The Premier League is the most difficult league in the world,” Ronaldo said.
“All the teams are good, all the teams fight, all the teams run, all the players are strong. Football is different right now. There’s no easy games anymore.”
Drawing an analogy, Ronaldo compared United’s issues to a recurring problem.
“It’s like an aquarium. If you have the fish inside and he’s sick, and you take him out and fix the problem, and you put him again in an aquarium, they will be sick again.”
“The problem of Manchester United is the same. The problem is not always the coach. It’s much more than that. If I were the owner of the club, I would make things clear and adjust what I think is bad there.”
Ronaldo Hints at Club Ownership
Ronaldo, who left Manchester United in late 2022 following a high-profile fallout with former manager Erik ten Hag and the Glazer family, hinted at the possibility of owning a football club in the future.
While he ruled out becoming a coach or club president, he left the door open to ownership.
> “I’m not a coach. I’m never going to be a coach. President of the club? No. Maybe owner of the club,” he said.
When asked if he had specific clubs in mind, he added cryptically: “Not yet. A few, maybe.”
Praise for Ruben Amorim
Ronaldo was complimentary of Amorim, recalling his success with Sporting Lisbon, where he won the Portuguese league title.
However, he acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the Premier League.
“He did a fantastic job in Portugal with my club Sporting. But the Premier League is a different beast; it’s the most competitive league in the world.”
“I knew it would be tough, and they would continue the storm, but the storm will finish, and the sun will rise.”
“Fingers crossed things will be good with him, and I hope the best for Manchester United because this is a club I still love.”
Ronaldo’s Legacy and Current Success
Ronaldo, now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, continues to thrive on the pitch. His stellar performances in 2024 earned him the Best Middle East Player award at the Globe Soccer Awards.
Reflecting on his time at United, Ronaldo reiterated his dissatisfaction with the Glazer family, whom he accused of “not caring about the club” in a 2022 interview. Regardless, he remains hopeful for the club’s future under Amorim.
“I knew it would be hard for him [Amorim], but Manchester United is a club that belongs at the top. I hope they find their way back.”
What’s Next for United?
As Manchester United prepare to face Newcastle United in their next Premier League match, Amorim finds himself under immense pressure.
