Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly criticized Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, stating that the club needs to “rebuild everything” to compete for football’s biggest titles again.
The pressure is mounting on Ten Hag following United’s disappointing eighth-place finish last season, the lowest in the club’s Premier League history, and two defeats in their first three games of the current campaign.
In an interview with the “Rio Ferdinand Presents” podcast, which will air Thursday, Ronaldo questioned Ten Hag’s mindset. “The coach says they cannot compete to win the [Premier] League and Champions League,” he remarked. “As Manchester United’s coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight for these titles.”
He continued, “Mentally, you might think we don’t have that potential, but I cannot accept that. You have to try; we need to aim for the top.” Ronaldo expressed his deep affection for the club, stating, “I love that club… I’m not the kind of guy who forgets the past.”
During his first stint at United, Ronaldo enjoyed immense success, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups, and the FA Cup, among other honors, before transferring to Real Madrid in 2009. After rejoining United from Juventus in August 2021, he scored 145 goals in 346 appearances until moving to Al-Nassr in December 2022.
A month prior to this latest criticism, Ronaldo had expressed feelings of betrayal during a controversial TV interview with Piers Morgan, asserting that he had been pushed out of the club. Reflecting on the team since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, he lamented a lack of progress, stating there had been “no evolution.”
Despite the challenges, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe aims to restore the club to its former glories following his 25% stake acquisition and the takeover of football operations by his Ineos team. Ronaldo believes a significant rebuild is essential. “In my opinion, they need to rebuild everything,” he said. “The club needs time because it is still one of the best in the world, but they need to change. They understand this is the only way.”
Ronaldo noted positive changes are underway, including investments in the training ground and a shift in club structure. He stated, “I believe the future will be bright, but they cannot rely solely on talent. They have to rebuild from the bottom; otherwise, it will be impossible to compete.”
In a positive note, Ronaldo welcomed the addition of former teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy to Ten Hag’s coaching staff, saying, “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can help himself. He knows the club well, and the team should listen to those who have been there.”
Ronaldo emphasized the importance of having knowledgeable figures around the club. “You cannot rebuild without the input of people who understand football,” he explained. “Ruud will help because he knows the club and the fans. If the coach listens to him, I think they can improve the club significantly.”
Credit: BBC Sport
