Cristiano Ronaldo Calls for Major Overhaul at Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo has boldly appealed for Manchester United to rebuild (Cristiano Ronaldo Calls for) itself from the ground up. According to Ronaldo, the club, which was once a dominant force in European football, has lost its way and now requires a comprehensive restructuring to compete for top honors again.

Manchester United’s Current Struggles

Ronaldo, who is a legendary figure at United following his successful first stint with the club from 2003 to 2009, has seen the once-mighty club falter in recent years. Despite minor successes in domestic competitions like the Carabao Cup, the Red Devils have struggled to maintain their once-fierce dominance in the Premier League and European competitions. United’s eighth-place finish in the league last season and a string of poor performances in the current 2024-2025 campaign underline the scale of the challenges the club faces.

This downturn in fortunes prompted Ronaldo to express his concerns about the club’s future publicly. While United has made some moves to address the situation, including investing in infrastructure and appointing new management, Ronaldo believes these efforts are not enough to bring the club back to its glory days.

Ronaldo’s Vision for a Complete Overhaul

Ronaldo was clear in his assessment: Manchester United cannot regain its elite status without rebuilding from the bottom. For Ronaldo, this means much more than just changing managers or signing new players; it requires a fundamental shift in how the club is run, from youth development to recruitment policies and the footballing culture within the organization.

During an interview, Ronaldo emphasized the importance of having people at the helm who understand the club’s traditions and history. He suggested that former players, like Ruud van Nistelrooy, could play a key role in this process. As individuals who understand the club’s core values, they could help steer Manchester United back on course, especially during the turbulent rebuilding process.

Ronaldo’s Experience with United’s Decline

Ronaldo’s opinions are not baseless. His second stint at the club from 2021 to 2022 ended on a sour note, marked by disagreements with manager Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo left the club after a high-profile interview, where he criticized the way the team was being managed and the lack of ambition shown by those in charge. Despite his departure, Ronaldo continues to have deep affection for United, and his critique is born out of a desire to see the club return to where it belongs — at the top of European football.

During his initial time at United, Ronaldo won multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson. That period was marked by a winning mentality and a focus on long-term success, something Ronaldo believes the club has lost. He acknowledges that football has changed since his first stint at the club, but he is convinced that United can once again compete for major trophies if the right decisions are made at the organizational level.

The Role of Leadership and Management

One of the key factors in Ronaldo’s critique is the role of leadership at Manchester United. The club is currently owned by the Glazer family, whose stewardship has been the subject of controversy for years. Many fans and pundits have criticized the Glazers for prioritizing commercial success over on-pitch achievements (Cristiano Ronaldo Calls for). Although recent investments in the club’s training facilities are positive signs, Ronaldo argues that more needs to be done to align the club’s ambitions with its rich history.

Jim Ratcliffe, who has emerged as a significant figure in Manchester United’s ownership structure, has been praised by Ronaldo for his investment in infrastructure. However, the Portuguese star remains skeptical about whether these investments will be enough without a clear and strategic footballing vision. Ronaldo believes the club needs knowledgeable leaders with a deep understanding of football, as financial investments alone won’t suffice to return United to the summit of European football.

Challenges Facing Erik ten Hag

While Ronaldo has expressed optimism about the club’s future, he is also realistic about the current challenges. Erik ten Hag, who was appointed as manager in 2022, has struggled to get the team playing with the consistency required to compete for the Premier League title. After two losses in the first three games of the 2024-2025 season, Ten Hag is already under pressure.

Ronaldo believes that for Ten Hag to succeed, he must lean on individuals like van Nistelrooy (Cristiano Ronaldo Calls for), who understand the club from the inside. As someone who experienced United’s most successful period under Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo knows that having knowledgeable advisors is key to turning the team’s fortunes around. He insists that “you cannot rebuild a club without knowledge.”

Ronaldo’s Legacy and Future Hopes for United

Despite the difficulties surrounding his exit from the club, Ronaldo holds no ill will toward Manchester United. He remains hopeful that the club will return to its former glory. As one of the greatest players in football history, Ronaldo’s connection to United runs deep, and his criticism comes from a place of genuine concern and love for the club.

While Ronaldo continues to play for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia (Cristiano Ronaldo Calls for), he has made it clear that his focus remains on the future of Manchester United. His 35 goals and 11 assists in the 2023-2024 season show that he is still performing at a high level, but his mind is never far from Old Trafford.

A Difficult but Necessary Path Forward

Cristiano Ronaldo’s message to Manchester United is clear: the club must rebuild from the bottom up if it is to compete at the highest levels once again. This means more than just new signings or managerial changes; it requires a cultural and structural overhaul.

Ronaldo’s critique, while harsh, reflects his love for the club and his desire to see it return to its rightful place in world football. As Manchester United navigates the challenges of the current season,