Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his dissatisfaction with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s negative outlook and urged the club to maintain its ambition of winning major trophies, even as it undergoes a significant rebuild. Now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo believes that the club should not abandon its aspirations for the Premier League title and other major competitions while they work to improve the squad and infrastructure.
Ronaldo, whose second spell at Old Trafford ended in late 2022 following a fallout with Ten Hag, shared his views during an upcoming episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents that will be released on Thursday. He emphasized that Manchester United’s mentality should always be focused on competing for the highest honors, regardless of the challenges they face.
“Manchester United needs a total rebuild, but that doesn’t mean you should stop fighting for the Premier League or Champions League,” Ronaldo said. “Even if the team isn’t fully equipped to win, you have to have the mindset of a competitor. You cannot go into a season saying you won’t fight for trophies.”
Ronaldo’s comments came in response to Ten Hag’s cautious remarks earlier this year. Despite winning the League Cup and reaching the FA Cup final last season, the Dutch manager downplayed United’s chances of contending for the Premier League this season. He acknowledged that the team is still far from being title contenders, a statement that Ronaldo disagrees with.
Rebuilding the Club’s Structure
Ronaldo, who achieved legendary status during his first spell at Manchester United, stressed that the club’s problems are not limited to the players on the pitch. According to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, United’s revival requires major changes across the entire organization, including the management and infrastructure.
“This is still one of the greatest clubs in the world, but everything needs to change,” Ronaldo continued. “It’s not just about improving the players. The management, the facilities, the leadership—all of it needs to be upgraded. Only then will Manchester United be able to compete at the highest level.”
Since British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in the club earlier this year, there have been several changes in Manchester United’s leadership. Ratcliffe’s influence, particularly in overseeing football operations, signals a fresh direction for the club. Ronaldo sees this as a positive step but believes the work is far from finished.
“I’m confident that if the club keeps moving in the right direction, the future will be bright,” Ronaldo said. “But it’s not just about having talented players. The whole club has to come together as a unit. If Manchester United doesn’t rebuild from the ground up, they won’t be able to compete. That’s the reality.”
Ronaldo’s Reflection on His Time at Manchester United
Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United was short-lived and ended in controversy. After rejoining the club in 2021, Ronaldo enjoyed a strong return, scoring 27 goals in 54 appearances. However, his relationship with Ten Hag soured, leading to his departure in late 2022. The falling out centered around Ronaldo’s reduced role in the team and his frustrations with the club’s direction under Ten Hag.
Looking back on his exit, Ronaldo admitted that he was unhappy with how things unfolded but acknowledged that certain events in life are beyond control.
“I didn’t like how it ended, but sometimes things happen in life that you can’t control,” Ronaldo reflected. “I said what I needed to say at the time, and I’ve moved on. But I still love the club, and I’ll always cherish the memories I made at Manchester United.”
Despite his disagreements with Ten Hag, Ronaldo insisted that his affection for Manchester United remains intact. He highlighted the strong bond he formed with the club during his two spells, stating that he will never forget his time there.
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A Call for Unity and Ambition
While Manchester United’s start to the current season has been shaky, with the club losing two of their first three Premier League matches, Ronaldo’s call for a stronger mentality could resonate with both the team and its supporters. The Portuguese forward emphasized that rebuilding is a process that takes time, but the club must remain united and ambitious throughout.
“Manchester United needs time to rebuild, but they also need to stay focused on competing for trophies,” Ronaldo said. “You can’t just focus on the future and forget about the present. It’s important to have that winning mentality, even if you’re going through tough times.”
Ronaldo’s parting advice for Manchester United is clear: the club must work as a cohesive unit, make the necessary structural changes, and never lose sight of its ambitions. As the Red Devils continue their rebuilding journey, the words of one of their greatest-ever players may serve as a timely reminder of the standards expected at Old Trafford.
With their storied history and passionate fanbase, Manchester United remains one of the most iconic clubs in world football. Whether Ten Hag can harness that legacy and guide the club back to the top remains to be seen, but Ronaldo’s message is simple—always aim higher.
