Cristiano Ronaldo: Man Utd great says Ruben Amorim can’t perform miracles and admits Old Trafford sadness | Football news
Cristiano Ronaldo says Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim cannot perform miracles at Old Trafford and revealed the sadness he feels for his former club.
Amorim managed to lead his United side to three consecutive victories for the first time since arriving at Old Trafford before Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest marked his first anniversary at the club.
It has been an eventful year for the Portuguese manager as Manchester United recorded their worst result in the Premier League last season in 14th position, and finished the campaign without a trophy, having lost the Europa League final and therefore missing out on Europe for this season.
Even though United have shown positive signs recently, Ronaldo still has reservations about the club’s current situation.
“He is [Amorim] do your best,” Ronaldo said, speaking on Piers Morgan uncensored.
“What are you going to do? Miracles? Miracles are impossible. They say in Portugal, miracles only exist in Fatima.
“You won’t do miracles. Even the players. Manchester United has good players, but some of them don’t have the spirit, what is Manchester United.”
The Al Nassr striker was speaking to Morgan three years after his explosive interview which finally ended his second spell at Old Trafford. In 2022, Ronaldo infamously criticized the club’s hierarchy and then head coach Erik ten Hag and criticized the club’s facilities, leading to his move to the Saudi Pro League.
Despite his public views on United, Ronaldo said he maintains his love for the club he represented 346 times during his two tenures, scoring 145 goals. However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner suggests the club still need to find a working structure.
“I’m sad, because the club is one of the most important clubs in the world – and a club that I always have in my heart – for the obvious reasons that you have to follow with smart people, intelligent people, to create a basis for the future like Manchester United.
“So many years ago, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Roy Keane, [David] Beckham, they became great players, but they had youth.
“So Manchester United has no structure at the moment. I hope that changes in the present and the future, because the potential of the club is incredible. It is one of the most important clubs of the century.”
Ronaldo first signed for United in 2003, beginning a legendary career that would see him win his first Ballon d’Or and the first of five Champions Leagues at Old Trafford.
The now 40-year-old would also win three league titles at United before completing a world record move to Real Madrid in 2009. The Portugal captain returned in spectacular fashion in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but, despite scoring 27 goals in 54 games on his return, his comeback is widely considered a failure.
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Speaking on the ‘One on One’ podcast, Amorim discusses his team’s form, support from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and much more.
Asked if he still follows United’s results and if they bring him sadness, Ronaldo replied: “Of course, because I was a player there. Many, many years ago I won the Champions League there.
“I win the Ballon d’Or. I won 12, 13, 14 titles there. So, as I say and I repeat, Manchester United is always in my heart; I love this club.
“But we all have to be honest, look for ourselves and say: look, they’re not on the right track, so they need to change. And it’s not just about the coach and the players, in my opinion.”
Neville: Man Utd’s aging spine should be much better
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WATCH FOR FREE: Highlights from Nottingham Forest v Manchester United in the Premier League
Gary Neville believes That of Manchester United experienced players “should do much better” to help carry Amorim’s team.
Speaking on The overlap and Betfair Stick to CricketNeville said: “I think the backbone of a football team is essential. When I came to Man Utd our backbone was [Peter] Schmeichel, [Steve] Bruce, [Gary] Pallister, [Roy] Keane and [Eric] Cantona and so we were all scattered around.
“I think [Harry] Maguire and [Matthijs] De Ligt should do much better than them. You look at the experience that these two have gained.
“De Ligt has played a mountain of games at the highest level. Harry has played so many times for England. You have the midfielder, Casemiro and Bruno. [Fernandes] have enormous experience.
“Ahead, they don’t have the experience. But for me, the spine of Bruno, Casemiro, Maguire and De Ligt is getting old, but should do much better than them to hold it all together.
“That’s why I think Liverpool are good because they have Alisson, Van Dijk, they have Mac Allister and Gravenberch in midfield and then obviously they have the centre-forwards that they have.”
