Cristiano Ronaldo has taken aim at Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, insisting the club needs a complete overhaul to compete for top honors once again. United’s eighth-place finish last season, their lowest in Premier League history, along with a shaky start to this season, has put pressure on the Dutch coach.
Ronaldo, who had two stints at United before moving to Al-Nassr, questioned Ten Hag’s mentality during an appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. “As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League,” Ronaldo said. “You have to try.”
Ronaldo, who won multiple trophies with United, expressed his deep affection for the club, saying, “I love that club… I’m not the kind of guy who forgets the past.”
Reflecting on United’s struggles since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Ronaldo emphasized the need for a full rebuild. He praised recent efforts by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to revamp the club, including changes in the club’s infrastructure. “The future will be bright, but they have to rebuild from the bottom. If not, they cannot compete.”
Ronaldo also lauded the decision to bring former teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy into Ten Hag’s backroom staff. He believes that listening to former players like Van Nistelrooy, Rio Ferdinand, and Roy Keane could be key to United’s resurgence. “You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge,” Ronaldo said, stressing the importance of people who truly understand the club and its players.
