Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed strong criticism of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, suggesting that the Dutchman’s attitude is too negative. Ronaldo, now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, believes that Manchester United needs a comprehensive overhaul, although he still sees potential for the club to win major trophies.
Ronaldo’s comments come in a forthcoming episode of the “Rio Ferdinand Presents” podcast. Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, the Portuguese forward criticized Ten Hag’s remarks about the club’s chances in the league and Champions League. “Manchester United needs to rebuild everything, in my opinion,” Ronaldo said. “The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the league and Champions League. Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League.”
He added, “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.”
United began the current season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham but has since faced setbacks with back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Liverpool before the international break. Ronaldo believes that substantial changes are necessary for the club to return to its former glory. “This club needs time to rebuild because it’s still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change,” he said. He acknowledged the ongoing efforts to restructure the club, including changes in leadership and infrastructure. But stressed that these changes must be comprehensive.
“The future will be bright, I believe, but they don’t depend only on the talents. It’s more than that. It’s all club, all, not only players, club, everything as a unit, united. They have to rebuild from the bottom. If not, they cannot compete. It will be impossible,” Ronaldo asserted. He remains optimistic that the club can achieve success in domestic cup competitions but expressed doubt about their chances in the Champions League or Premier League, saying, “They can do good things, yes, they can win Carabao, but Champions League or Europa League or Premier League, difficult, in my opinion.”
Ronaldo previously claimed to feel “betrayed” following his departure from Manchester United and criticized Ten Hag. Stating, “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me.” However, Ronaldo clarified his enduring affection for the club. “I’m not happy with the way it all happened, but in the same way, we cannot control some points of our life sometimes, but it’s done, already done,” he said. “But to be honest with you, what I wish for Manchester is what I wish for me. The best they can make, again the best team they can, and I love that club. I’m not that kind of guy who forgets the past.”
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