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SportsMan Utd must 'rebuild everything' - Ronaldo

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Man Utd must ‘rebuild everything’ – Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has called for a complete overhaul at Manchester United, stating that the club must “rebuild everything” if they hope to return to competing for football’s biggest prizes.

The Portuguese star, who left United for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in December 2022, was critical of current manager Erik ten Hag and the direction of the club in recent years.

In an appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ronaldo questioned Ten Hag’s mentality and approach to managing one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.

“The coach says they cannot compete to win the [Premier] League and Champions League,” Ronaldo said. “As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League.”

While acknowledging that the club might not currently have the resources to challenge for those titles, Ronaldo stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive mindset.

“Mentally [you can] say maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try, you have to try,” he added.

Ronaldo’s comments come at a time when Manchester United are under pressure following a disappointing eighth-place finish last season—their worst in Premier League history—and two defeats in their opening three games of the current campaign.

United have struggled to find consistency since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, something Ronaldo also highlighted, saying there had been “no evolution” at the club since Ferguson’s departure.

Reflecting on his two spells at Old Trafford, Ronaldo, who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League with United during his first stint, expressed a deep affection for the club.

“What I wish for Manchester [United], it’s what I wish for me – [to be] the best team they can. I love that club… I’m not that kind of guy that forgot the past,” he remarked.

Ronaldo also pointed to the need for a comprehensive rebuild at United, emphasizing that changes must happen across all levels. “The club needs time to rebuild because it’s still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change,” he said. “The owners of the club are investing in the training ground, so I’m happy because things are changing. But if they don’t rebuild from the bottom, it will be impossible to compete.”

However, Ronaldo expressed optimism about the club’s recent decision to bring in former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as part of Ten Hag’s backroom staff, suggesting his experience could help the manager turn things around. “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can help himself,” Ronaldo said. “The people who understand football are the people who were there in the dressing room.”

The Portuguese legend emphasized the importance of drawing on the experience of United’s former players and legends. “You [Rio], or Roy Keane, or Paul Scholes, or Gary Neville, or Sir Alex Ferguson…you cannot rebuild a club without knowledge – not guys who work in [the] office,” Ronaldo added.

As the club looks to chart a new path under the influence of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United, Ronaldo’s call for a complete rebuild reflects the pressing need for structural changes if the club is to return to its former glory.

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