Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that Cristiano Ronaldo was “right” to point out the mistakes the club made in previous years but insists that things are moving in a far more positive direction now.
Ronaldo, who left Old Trafford in acrimonious circumstances in 2022, reignited debate this week when he told Piers Morgan that United lacked the right “structure” to compete at the highest level. Speaking candidly, the Portuguese superstar suggested Amorim was “fighting an uphill battle” to rebuild a club that has “lost its way” since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
In response, Amorim took a measured tone when addressing the comments during his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
“Of course, he knows the impact of everything he says,” Ruben Amorim admitted. “But we prefer to focus on the future. We know, as a club, we made a lot of mistakes in the past, and we are trying to change that. The most important thing is how we move forward — we are improving the structure, changing the way we want the players to behave, and creating a stronger environment. Let’s forget the past and focus on what we are building now.”
Ronaldo’s Criticism of United’s Structure
Ronaldo, who spent two separate spells at Manchester United, has often spoken with affection for the club but has not held back in his criticism of its management in recent years. In his interview with Morgan, he expressed sadness at the club’s decline, claiming the foundations that once made United great had “disappeared.”
“For me, I’m sad because of the club — it’s still one of the most important clubs in the world and one I keep in my heart,” he said. “But they have to follow intelligent people, smart people, to build again what Manchester United once had. The structure is not there right now. I hope that changes because the potential of the club is amazing.”
Ronaldo added a typically colourful Portuguese saying when asked about Amorim’s situation:
“He’s doing his best, but miracles are impossible. In Portugal, we say, ‘Miracles only happen in Fátima.’”
Amorim’s Rebuild Continues
Ruben Amorim, appointed earlier this year to replace Erik ten Hag, has been tasked with modernising Manchester United’s playing style and culture. His focus, he reiterated, is on progress rather than past grievances.
“The players are buying into what we’re doing,” he said. “We’re changing the mentality step by step. That’s what matters now.”
United face Tottenham on Saturday evening as they look to climb back into the top four.
