Ronaldo’s Criticism and United’s Relegation Struggles

Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly getting the last laugh in the face of Manchester United’s ongoing troubles. When he departed the club nearly two years ago, his exit was met with widespread criticism. Many, including Barney Ronay from The Guardian, were quick to label the Portuguese superstar as an egomaniac, asserting that his larger-than-life persona was incompatible with Manchester United’s evolving identity under then-manager Erik Ten Hag. Ronay argued that Ronaldo’s presence at United had only exacerbated the team’s internal issues. He painted a bleak picture of the club, calling it a “debauched ship” and a “celebrity waxwork museum,” one that had been “treated for too long like an asset to be sluiced and sucked dry.” According to Ronay, Ronaldo himself was part of the problem rather than the solution, embodying everything that was wrong with the club at the time. The solution, in his view, was clear: Manchester United had to rid itself of Ronaldo in order to address the deeper structural issues plaguing the club.

Even after Ronaldo’s departure, critics continued to use him as a lightning rod for the club’s failures. Early this season, Ten Hag responded to Ronaldo’s remark that United “needs to rebuild everything,” expressing frustration with the former player’s stance. In a dismissive response, Ten Hag remarked, “So he’s far away in Saudi, far from Manchester,” a jab at Ronaldo’s current playing career in Saudi Arabia. However, as the season has unfolded, it’s become increasingly difficult for those who had scapegoated Ronaldo to dismiss his concerns about the state of the club. While Ten Hag managed to win the FA Cup last season, his tenure has been characterized by a general decline in United’s overall performance. This year, the trajectory has been overwhelmingly negative, with the team struggling in various competitions. Even after Ten Hag’s departure, replaced by Ruben Amorim, there has been little improvement. In fact, things have only worsened.

For the first time since 1961, Manchester United has suffered four consecutive defeats, putting them just seven points above the relegation zone. Under Amorim’s leadership, the club finds itself in the unthinkable position of fighting for survival. Following a disheartening 0-2 loss at home to Newcastle United, Amorim acknowledged the possibility of relegation, a prospect that seemed unimaginable for a club of United’s stature. “I think that it is a possibility. We have to be clear with our fans,” Amorim confessed. He also took responsibility for the team’s poor form, admitting that the squad was “a little bit lost” and that it was “embarrassing” to be the manager of Manchester United at such a low point. Amorim’s honesty about the club’s dire situation marked a stark contrast to the optimism he had hoped to instill when he first arrived at Old Trafford. “We need a shock,” he added, echoing the sentiment that Manchester United was in need of drastic change. Amorim is now openly discussing relegation and the urgent need for survival. However, he also highlighted the financial constraints he faces, pointing out that significant player sales may be necessary in the January transfer window to revamp the squad.

Despite the club’s continued struggles, Ronaldo has refrained from gloating about being vindicated in his past criticisms. He has not lashed out at Amorim or the current management but instead reiterated many of the concerns he voiced during his explosive 2021 interview with Piers Morgan. Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo emphasized the challenges of competing in the Premier League, calling it “the most difficult league in the world.” He noted that all teams are strong, all players are competitive, and there are no “easy games” anymore. Ronaldo’s commentary also reflected his consistent belief that the root cause of Manchester United’s issues went beyond managerial changes. “The problem is not the coaches,” he asserted, likening the club to an aquarium. If the fish within the aquarium are sick, removing them and fixing the problem temporarily does not solve the underlying issue, Ronaldo argued. The same, in his view, applied to Manchester United. The club’s problems were structural and deeply ingrained. “If I were the owner of the club,” Ronaldo continued, “I would make things clear and adjust what I think is bad there.” While some, like Ronay, view this as further evidence of Ronaldo’s ego, it’s hard to ignore the wisdom behind his words. As one of the greatest soccer players in history, with an unparalleled career and longevity, Ronaldo’s insight into what it takes to build successful teams holds weight.

The counterargument, of course, is that changes are underway at Manchester United. Under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a minority shareholder, there have been some alterations, both on and off the field. Whether these changes will address the deep-rooted issues that Ronaldo identified remains to be seen. The club’s fate hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if these adjustments are enough to turn things around.

In retrospect, Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United may have been one of the club’s pivotal moments in recent history. While many critics at the time saw him as the problem, it is becoming increasingly clear that the club’s woes run much deeper. As Manchester United faces the very real threat of relegation, it is hard to ignore the accuracy of Ronaldo’s earlier predictions about the club’s decline. While he has not publicly celebrated his foresight, the ongoing struggles of the Red Devils serve as a reminder of the issues Ronaldo was so vocal about. With the club’s future uncertain, it remains to be seen whether the changes being implemented under new leadership will be enough to reverse the decline and return Manchester United to its former glory.