Cristiano Ronaldo has remarkably pitched himself as the person to fix Manchester United’s ongoing problems as he discussed his ambition to one day become a club owner.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, has been highly critical of United, both during and after his second spell at Old Trafford.
In an interview with former teammate Rio Ferdinand in September, Ronaldo said his former club needed to “rebuild from the bottom” following a poor campaign under Erik ten Hag, who was later sacked.
“This club needs time to rebuild because it’s still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change,” he said. “They understand that. This is the only way. This is why they show, they start to change again, the structure of the club, the president, the infrastructures and everything. The owners of the club.”
Ronaldo added: “I believe that the future will be bright. I believe, but they don’t depend only on the talents. It’s more than that. It’s all club, all, not only players, club, everything as a unit, united. They have to rebuild from the bottom. If not, they cannot compete. It will be impossible.”
Three months later and whilst speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards on Friday, the 39-year-old was once again asked about the ongoing issues at his former club. His response certainly raised eyebrows.
“I say this one-and-a-half years ago and I will continue to say it. The problem is not the coaches,” said Ronaldo, who was speaking on stage alongside Thibaut Courtois. “The problem is not only the coach, it is much more than that.”
Asked if he still feels that way, Ronaldo appeared to suggest that he would make big changes to the club if he was to become owner.
He added: “100 per cent. If I will be the owner of the club, I will make the things clear and adjust what I think is bad there. I am still very young, I have so many plans and dreams ahead. Mark my words, I will be an owner of a big club. For sure.”
Earlier on in the interview, the former Real Madrid forward revealed his intention to become a club owner in the future, saying: “I’m not a coach. I’m never going to be a coach, president of the club? No. Maybe owner of the club.”
The interviewer then pressed him on his comments, asking: “Is that what you want to do, to become a club owner?”
Ronaldo replied: “Probably. I will see. It will depend on the moment, the right opportunities.”
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