Sept 12 (Askume) – Cristiano Ronaldo said his former club Manchester United must rebuild everything from the bottom up if they are to compete for titles again.
The 39-year-old Portuguese striker, who won three Premier League titles, a Champions League and a Club World Cup during his first spell at United between 2003 and 2009, said he still loved the club which finished last in the league last season.
Ronaldo said in the Rio Ferdinand Speaks podcast on Thursday that he is happy with the way the club’s management, led by Ineos owner Jim Ratcliffe, has invested in infrastructure.
“In my opinion, they need to rebuild everything… The club needs time to rebuild because it is still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change. It is necessary,” he was quoted as saying by British media. “They understand that this is the only way.”
“I believe the future is bright. I believe that, but they can’t just rely on talent. They have to rebuild from the bottom up. If they don’t have that, they can’t compete. It’s not possible.”
With Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag already under pressure after two defeats in three games, Ronaldo has said he must rely on his former United teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has been sacked.Appointed as assistant coach
“You can’t rebuild a club without a message,” he said. “I think Rudd will help because he has been inside the club. He knows the club, he knows the fans. If the coach listens to him, I think he can improve the club a bit.”
Manchester United, who are 14th in the league, visit Southampton on Saturday.
