Cristiano Ronaldo has launched another blistering attack on Manchester United, claiming the club has lost its way and warning that new boss Ruben Amorim cannot perform miracles at a team with no structure and the wrong mentality.
Speaking to Piers Morgan on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the Portuguese superstar looked visibly disappointed as he discussed the decline of his former club. Ronaldo admitted he feels “sad” to see what he once called “one of the most important clubs of the century” in such turmoil.
Asked about Amorim’s early impact, with United just two points off second after ten games, Ronaldo did not mince his words. “He is doing his best. But what are you going to do? Miracles? Miracles are impossible. In Portugal we say miracles only happen in Fatima. He is not going to do miracles,” he said bluntly.
Ronaldo believes United’s problems go far beyond the manager. “They have good players but some of them do not understand what Manchester United really is,” he said. “They do not have the right mentality.”
The club has seen major upheaval since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos took charge of football operations. Jason Wilcox has come in as director of football, recruitment has shifted toward young talent such as Leny Yoro and Benjamin Sesko, and there is hope for a long-term rebuild. But Ronaldo remains deeply sceptical.
“For me, I am sad because this club is still in my heart,” he said. “It is one of the biggest in the world, but you have to surround yourself with intelligent people, smart people who can build a proper foundation. Manchester United had that many years ago with players like Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Roy Keane and David Beckham. They grew from the youth system and created something special. Right now, there is no structure.”
Ronaldo said he hopes the situation changes soon because the club’s potential is enormous. “United are one of the most important clubs of the century, but they must find the right direction,” he said.
The 39-year-old has never shied away from criticising his old club, famously telling Rio Ferdinand last year that United need to “rebuild everything” to return to the top. Despite his rocky second spell under Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo insists he still loves the club.
“Of course I still look out for United results,” he told Morgan. “It hurts me when they lose. I won the Champions League there, the Ballon d’Or, more than a dozen trophies. Manchester United is still in my heart, but we must all be honest. They are not on the right path and it is not only about the coach or the players.”