Cristiano Ronaldo: Man United need ‘rebuild’ under Ratcliffe

Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo reckons the club needs a complete rebuild under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. After Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in United earlier this year, the Portuguese is optimistic that the Old Trafford-based club will be able to turn the tables.

Ronaldo had earlier also said that the Red Devils need a complete changeover to compete with the best in the business. When Ronaldo joined United in 2021 from Juventus, he was surprised by the team’s strategies.

“They [United] need to rebuild everything, in my opinion,” Ronaldo, 39, said as quoted by ESPN.

“This 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 … They’re investing in the training ground … So I’m happy because [things are changing]. I believe that the future will be bright.

“They have to rebuild from the bottom. If not, they cannot compete. It will be impossible. They can do good things, yes, they can win Carabao, yeah, but I mean, Champions League or Europa League or Premier League — difficult, in my opinion. And I wish that I’m wrong, I wish, but [it] will be difficult.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League after his controversial interview with Piers Morgan, in which he criticised the club and head coach Erik Ten Hag.

“I’m not happy the way it all [happened], but in the same way, we cannot control some points of our life sometimes,” Ronaldo said.

“To prove that I’m right or wrong, this is not my issue anymore.”

Ronaldo, who recently completed 900 professional goals, added he wishes nothing but the best for United despite his controversial exit.

“I said what I have to say and for me it’s done,” Ronaldo said. “But to be honest with you, what I wish for Manchester [United], it’s what I wish for me. The best they can make, again the best team they can [have] and I love that club, you know, I’m not that kind of guy that forgot the past.”

“When I’m back there, I was very happy,” Ronaldo added. “I was one of the best scorers. I did unbelievable things with the club … I did amazing.”

Ronaldo added he failed to understand Erik Ten Hag’s mentality when he played under the Dutchman.

“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 be, to mentally say, listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try. You have to try.”