Ronaldo Critiques Manchester United's Direction Under Amorim
Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed doubts about Manchester United's current trajectory, stating that manager Ruben Amorim is "not going to do miracles" and that the club is "not on a good path."
The 40-year-old Portuguese forward joined Al-Nassr shortly after concluding his second stint with United in November 2022.
Amorim, a former teammate of Ronaldo's in the Portugal national team, took over as manager in November 2024, succeeding Erik ten Hag. Under his leadership, United finished the previous season in 15th place in the Premier League, marking their worst league performance since being relegated in the 1973-74 season.
After a rocky start this season, where they were 14th following three losses in their first six league matches, Amorim's team has recently climbed to eighth place, securing 10 points from a possible 12.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo acknowledged Amorim's efforts, saying, "He's doing his best. What are you going to do? Miracles? Miracles are impossible. We say in Portugal, 'miracles only happen in Fatima,' and he’s not going to do miracles."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos Group took control of football operations after acquiring a 27.7% stake in United in February 2024. Since Amorim's appointment, the club has invested approximately £250 million in new players. While Ronaldo recognizes the talent of these signings, he believes some players "don’t understand what Manchester United is about."
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner who won seven major titles with United between 2003 and 2009, stated, "Manchester United will always hold a special place in my heart. I love that club. But we must be honest and acknowledge that they are not on a good path. They need to change, and it’s not just about the coach and players, in my opinion."
His contract with United was terminated following a controversial interview with Morgan in November 2022, where he claimed to feel "betrayed" by the club and suggested he was being forced out. He also expressed a lack of respect for then-manager Ten Hag and reiterated in September 2024 that United needs to "rebuild everything."
Ronaldo signed a new contract with Al-Nassr last summer, which will run until 2027, and he is anticipated to represent Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. When asked by Morgan about his retirement plans, Ronaldo replied, "Soon. But I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. But Piers, I have been preparing for my future since I was 25, 26, 27 years old. So I believe I will be able to handle that pressure."