Cristiano Ronaldo has passionately defended Ruben Amorim and reiterated that Manchester United’s struggles stem from their ownership, not their managers.
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The football icon even hinted at his ambitions to own a major club after retirement, suggesting what he would do differently if he were in charge of United.
Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of Manchester United’s greatest players, scored 145 goals and won nine trophies during his time at the club.
However, his second stint at Old Trafford ended controversially in November 2022 following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. In the interview, Ronaldo criticized the Glazer family, then-manager Erik ten Hag, and his teammates, leading to his release.
Much of Ronaldo’s criticism remains relevant as United endures one of their worst seasons in history. The Red Devils currently sit 14th in the Premier League, with recent performances offering little hope.
Ruben Amorim, a former teammate of Ronaldo, was appointed in November to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag. However, results have not improved, with a 2-0 loss to relegation-threatened Wolves on Boxing Day adding to the misery.
Despite the struggles, Ronaldo believes Amorim can succeed, saying at the Globe Soccer Awards:
“He did a fantastic job in Portugal with my Sporting. The Premier League is a different beast—it’s the most competitive league in the world.
It’s tough, but storms always pass, and the sun will rise. Fingers crossed, things will improve with him. I hope the best for Manchester United because it’s a club I still love.”
Ronaldo also doubled down on his criticism of the Glazers, which he first voiced in 2022. At the time, he highlighted their lack of investment in the club, pointing out that the training facilities had not been updated since his first spell at United in 2009.
Although Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have since taken minority ownership and control of football operations, the club continues to face major challenges. Ronaldo insists United will not thrive until the ownership undergoes a complete overhaul.
“I said this a year and a half ago, and I still believe it: the problem is not the coaches,” the Al-Nassr star said.
“It’s like an aquarium—if you have a sick fish, take it out, fix it, and put it back in, the fish will get sick again. The problem is bigger than the coach; it’s about the structure behind the scenes.
“If I were the owner, I’d make things clear and fix what’s wrong.”
Ronaldo’s comments come alongside his revelation that he intends to own a football club after retiring. While ruling out coaching or club presidency, he expressed confidence in his future role as an owner:
“I’m not a coach. I’m never going to be a coach. President of a club? No. Maybe owner of a club.
“I’m still young, with many plans and dreams ahead. Mark my words: I will be an owner of a big club, for sure.”
When pressed on which club he might buy, Ronaldo teased, “Not yet, but maybe a few.”
Ronaldo’s remarks continue to spark debate about Manchester United’s future, with many fans questioning whether ownership changes could be the key to restoring the club to its former glory. Meanwhile, his aspirations for club ownership add another intriguing chapter to the career of one of football’s biggest legends.
