Cristiano Ronaldo has warned that Manchester United need a total rebuild following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in the club, and addressed his acrimonious exit.
Following Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 27.7% stake in United earlier this year, Ronaldo is optimistic about the club's future but warns that returning to the top flight of club football will require patience.
“They [United] “We have to rebuild everything, in my opinion,” said Ronaldo, 39.
“This club needs time to rebuild because it is still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change. They understand that. This is the only way… They are investing in the training ground… So I am happy because [things are changing]I think the future will be bright.
“They have to rebuild from the bottom up. If not, they can't compete. It will be impossible. They can do good things, yes, they can win the Carabao, yes, but I mean, the Champions League or the Europa League or the Premier League, it's difficult, in my opinion. And I hope I'm wrong, I hope so, but [it] “It will be difficult.”
Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabia after his departure and has played an important role with Al Nassr, although he is yet to lift any silverware in the Gulf nation.
“I'm not happy with all this. [happened]”But in the same way, sometimes we can't control some points in our life,” Ronaldo said.
“Proving me right or wrong is no longer my business.”
Ronaldo parted ways with the Manchester club by mutual consent after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he criticised the club for failing to invest in the 13 years since he left Old Trafford.
He said he has no regrets about rejoining United from Juventus in 2021 even though it didn't work out, and said he only hopes for “the best” despite his unceremonious exit in November 2022.
“I said what I had to say and for my part it's done,” Ronaldo said. “But to be honest, what I wish for Manchester [United]That's what I wish for myself. The best they can do, again the best team they can. [have] And I love that club, you know, I'm not that kind of person who forgets the past.”
“When I came back there, I was very happy,” Ronaldo added. “I was one of the best scorers. I did incredible things with the club… I did incredible things.”
Ronaldo, who scored a total of 145 goals in 346 appearances for United during his two spells, admitted he struggled with the mentality of manager Erik ten Hag.
“Manchester United manager, you can't say you're not going to fight to win the league or the Champions League,” Ronaldo said. “You have to be there, say mentally: listen, maybe we don't have that potential, but I can't say that. We're going to try. You have to try.”
Ronaldo has also welcomed the appointment of his former United team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant coach to Ten Hag.
“I think Ruud is going to help because he was inside the club,” Ronaldo said. “He knows the club. He knows the fans. If the coach listens to him, I think they can improve the club a little bit… People who understand football, 99% [of the time] “They are people who were there in the locker room, who were players.”
United have won one and lost two of their opening three Premier League games so far this season.
United are 1-2 in the Premier League this season.
