Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed dissatisfaction with Erik ten Hag’s management style at Manchester United, suggesting that the Dutch manager’s outlook is too cautious. The former United star, now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, believes that the club needs a significant overhaul but insists that aiming for the Premier League title should remain a priority, even during this period of transition.
Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, which ended on a sour note in 2022, Ronaldo believes that Ten Hag’s reluctance to aim for the top may be holding the team back. Despite the rebuilding process, the Portugal legend thinks Manchester United should still set their sights on major trophies.
Ten Hag’s Cautious Optimism
While Erik ten Hag has expressed confidence in Manchester United’s ability to claim more silverware this season—having already won the League Cup and FA Cup in recent campaigns—he has been pragmatic about the club’s chances of winning the Premier League. In July, he admitted that United are “a long way” from being serious title contenders, a sentiment that doesn’t sit well with Ronaldo.
“Manchester United can’t settle for anything less than fighting for the biggest trophies,” Ronaldo stated in an upcoming episode of the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. He went on to explain that, regardless of the club’s challenges, the mentality should always be one of striving to win. “Even if you’re not fully equipped, you can’t publicly admit defeat. You have to try.”
Ronaldo Urges for a Total Rebuild
Ronaldo has long been vocal about Manchester United’s need for a structural overhaul. From the management down to the infrastructure, he believes sweeping changes are essential if the club wants to reclaim its former glory. While he acknowledges that some steps have already been taken to address these issues, he feels more needs to be done.
“The club needs time to rebuild, and they’re starting to do that,” Ronaldo explained. “But it’s not just about bringing in new players. It’s the entire structure—the leadership, the facilities, the mentality. It all has to change if they want to compete at the highest level.”
United’s struggles have been evident in recent seasons. Despite their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May, they recorded their worst Premier League finish last season, placing eighth, and have endured a rocky start to this campaign, losing two of their first three matches.
Optimism for the Future
Despite his criticism, Ronaldo still holds hope for Manchester United’s future, especially under the ownership of British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired a minority stake in the club earlier this year. Ratcliffe has already begun to implement changes within the club hierarchy, a move that Ronaldo sees as a positive step.
“I believe the future is bright,” Ronaldo said, though he was quick to add that success depends on more than just talented players. “It’s about the entire club moving in the same direction—players, staff, ownership—everyone needs to be aligned.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who scored 27 goals in 54 appearances during his second stint at United, acknowledges that his time with the club ended on a bitter note. After his departure, he openly criticized Ten Hag, accusing him of a lack of respect. However, Ronaldo insists his feelings for the club remain unchanged.
“I still love Manchester United,” he said. “I may not agree with everything that happened, but that club is a part of me, and I’ll always respect that.”
Moving On from the Past
Ronaldo has made it clear that he has no interest in dwelling on the past. While his exit from Old Trafford was far from smooth, he believes it’s time to move forward. “What’s done is done,” he stated. “I said what I needed to say, and for me, the chapter is closed.”
Despite his disagreements with Ten Hag, Ronaldo maintains a strong connection to Manchester United and its fans. “I’m not the type to forget the past or the people who have supported me,” he said. “The club will always be special to me, no matter what.”
As Manchester United continue their journey under Ten Hag’s leadership, Ronaldo’s words serve as both a critique and a call to action. While acknowledging the challenges, he believes the club has the potential to reclaim its position as one of the world’s top footballing powers—but only if it dares to aim high.
