Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly criticized Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, asserting that the club needs a complete overhaul to regain its competitive edge. The Portuguese star, who had two spells at United before leaving for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, made the remarks on the “Rio Ferdinand Presents” podcast, scheduled for release on Thursday.
Ronaldo’s comments come in the wake of United’s worst Premier League finish, with an eighth-placed finish last season, followed by two defeats in their opening three games of the current campaign. The former Red Devils striker questioned Ten Hag’s mentality, particularly in regard to the club’s ambitions in the Premier League and Champions League.
“The coach says they cannot compete to win the league or Champions League. Mentally, you might say we don’t have the potential, but you cannot publicly admit that,” Ronaldo said. “At Manchester United, you must always try to win.”
Ronaldo reflected on the lack of evolution at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, stressing that United needs to “rebuild everything.” He highlighted changes to the club’s structure and training facilities but emphasized that rebuilding from the ground up was essential for success.
United’s last Premier League title came under Ferguson in 2013, and since then, the club has struggled to maintain its place among Europe’s elite. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently purchased a 25% stake in the club, aims to restore United to its former glory, a sentiment echoed by Ronaldo.
Despite his criticisms, Ronaldo praised the recent addition of former teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy to Ten Hag’s coaching staff. He believes van Nistelrooy, along with former players like Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and Gary Neville, can provide valuable insights to help guide the club back to its winning ways.
“The people who understand the football are those who were in the dressing room,” Ronaldo said. “Ruud knows the club and the fans. If the coach listens to him, I think they can improve the club.”
Ronaldo’s candid statements underscore his enduring passion for Manchester United, a club where he enjoyed tremendous success during his first spell, winning multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League. However, as he points out, a return to glory will require more than just talent—it will require a complete rebuild from the bottom up.
