Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that Manchester United need “time to rebuild” if they want to be competing in and amongst the elite European teams in the near future.
Cristiano Ronaldo Criticises Manchester United Foundations
Portuguese Forward in High Regard at Old Trafford
A United “superstar” of seven and a half years across two separate spells, Ronaldo’s early days in England made him the player he is today as he continues to break records at the grand old age of 39.
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The attacker was a part of some of the greatest sides in the club’s history, winning three Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and a Champions League amongst many other honours under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson. Now at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo can only watch from the outside as the club that he helped achieve so much success, struggles to reach the level expected of such a big club.
Ronaldo Desperate for Change at Former Side
However, it’s not just on the pitch where United are faltering. Old Trafford and the inner workings of the club are in dire need of refurbishment, with Ronaldo admitting back in 2022 how very little had changed since his first stint at the club.
“Nothing changed since I left, the pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym, some technology. Even the chefs who I appreciate, lovely people. I thought I would see new technology, infrastructure. I saw things I saw when I was 20!”.
Fast forward two years and Ronaldo, speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE podcast (quotes via Fabrizio Romano), gave his honest thoughts on what alterations are needed at the club for them to return to their former glory.
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“Man United need 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. This is why they show, they start to change again, the structure of the club, the president, the infrastructure”.
“The owners of the club are now investing in the training ground. I’m happy because things are changing. I’m not happy the way it has happened, but in the same way, we cannot control some points of our life sometimes, but it’s already done”.
One of Europe’s most feared teams in years gone by, the Red Devils’ hierarchy face the unenviable task of reviving a club which possesses so much prestige in the sport as Ronaldo and the millions of fans worldwide hope that one day, United can be back at the top once again.
