Cristiano Ronaldo has blasted Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, claiming that the club must “rebuild every detail” in order to compete for football’s top awards again.
The Dutch manager is under pressure after United finished eighth in the Premier League last season, their lowest ever, and suffered two defeats in their first three games this season.
Ronaldo, who spent two spells at the club before joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, questioned Ten Hag’s mentality.
“The coach says they cannot compete to win the [Premier] League and Champions League,” he told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, which will be released on Thursday.
“As Manchester United’s coach, you cannot say that you would not fight to win the league or the Champions League.
“Mentally, you may argue that we don’t have that potential, but I cannot. We’re going to try, and you have to try.
“My wish for Manchester [United] is the same as my wish for myself: to be the finest team possible.
“I adore that club…” “I’m not the type of guy who forgets the past.”
Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups, an FA Cup, the Fifa Club World Cup, and the Community Shield during his six-year initial stay at United before moving to Real Madrid in 2009.
He rejoined United from Juventus in August 2021, scoring 145 goals in 346 games before joining Al-Nassr in December 2022.
In a contentious televised interview a month prior, Ronaldo informed Piers Morgan that he was being “betrayed” and driven out.
And, speaking to former United teammate Ferdinand on his podcast, the Portugal forward stated that there had been “no evolution” since former manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
United have not won a Premier League title since, but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe hopes to return them to their previous glory after obtaining a 25% part in the club and having his Ineos company take over football operations.
Ronaldo continued, “They need to rebuild everything.”
“The club needs time to rebuild since it is still one of the best in the world, but things must change. They recognize that this is the only option.
“This is why they show; they begin to overhaul the club’s organization, infrastructure, and everything. The club’s owners are investing in the training ground, which makes me happy [since things are changing].
“I believe the future will be wonderful. I believe, but they are not solely based on talent. They need to start over. Otherwise, they will be unable to compete. “It’ll be impossible.”
Ronaldo, on the other hand, has complimented the club’s choice to add another former teammate, Ruud van Nistelrooy, to Ten Hag’s backroom staff.
“If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can [help himself],” he said.
“I believe it will be extremely beneficial since he is familiar with the club, and the club should pay attention to the players that were present.
“You [Rio], Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, or Sir Alex Ferguson.” You can’t rebuild a club without expertise, especially from guys who work in the office.
“The individuals who understand football are the ones who were in the locker room. They know how to interact with the players.
“So I feel Ruud will help because he was inside the club. He knows the club and the fans. If the coach listens to him, I believe they can improve slightly.
