Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a bold statement, urging his former club Manchester United to undergo a complete overhaul if they hope to compete for top titles once again. The 39-year-old superstar, who enjoyed massive success during his first stint at the club from 2003-2009, believes that rebuilding the club’s foundations is essential for future success.
Ronaldo, who won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and a Club World Cup with United, expressed his deep affection for the club despite its recent struggles. Last season, Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League, a far cry from their glorious days.
Speaking on the popular “Rio Ferdinand Presents” podcast, set to air on Thursday, Ronaldo emphasized that Manchester United must focus on rebuilding its infrastructure to return to the top.
Ronaldo was quoted by British media, saying, “They need to rebuild everything. In my opinion, the club needs time to rebuild because it’s still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change. They understand that this is the only way forward.”
The football legend praised INEOS boss Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s administration for their commitment to improving the infrastructure, but he insists that this alone won’t be enough to restore United’s former glory. According to Ronaldo, Manchester United must focus on rebuilding “from the bottom up” if they are to compete with Europe’s elite.
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Despite the challenges, Ronaldo remains optimistic about Manchester United’s potential. “I believe the future will be bright,” he said. “But they can’t rely solely on talent. If they don’t rebuild from the bottom, they cannot compete. It will be impossible.”
United manager Erik Ten Hag has come under fire after suffering two losses in the first three games of the season, adding more pressure to the team’s ongoing struggles. Ronaldo believes that a deeper knowledge of the club’s culture and history is key to its revival.
In a surprising twist, Ronaldo suggested that Ruud van Nistelrooy, his former United teammate who recently joined the club as an assistant coach, could play a pivotal role in the team’s turnaround.
“You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge,” Ronaldo emphasized. “Ruud knows the club, the fans, and the culture. If the coach listens to him, I believe they can improve.”
