Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited criticism of Manchester United, claiming the club “still don’t have a structure” and warning that new manager Ruben Amorim cannot “perform miracles” with the current setup at Old Trafford.
Speaking in a fresh interview with Piers Morgan, the Al-Nassr forward expressed disappointment at the club’s direction while insisting he still holds deep affection for his former team.
“They don’t have a structure”
“For me, I’m sad because that’s one of the most important clubs in the world, a club I still have in my heart,” Ronaldo said.
“You have to follow intelligent people and create a base for the future as Manchester United did years ago. Right now, they don’t have a structure.”
Ronaldo, who won three Premier League titles and a Champions League during his first spell at United, added that while Amorim is working hard, the Portuguese coach faces a near-impossible task.
“He is doing his best, but he can’t do miracles. We say in Portugal, ‘Miracles only happen in Fatima.’”
The 39-year-old ruled United out of this season’s Premier League title race, citing the club’s inconsistency and pointing to the points gap to leaders Arsenal as proof.
A familiar critique of Old Trafford’s management
Ronaldo’s comments echo his explosive 2022 interview, also with Morgan, that ended his second stint at United.
Then, he accused the club’s leadership of stagnation and criticized Erik ten Hag’s management, saying United had “zero progress” since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
He reiterated those sentiments, arguing that while Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group has made investments in infrastructure and player recruitment, United remain behind their European rivals in key areas such as sports science, recovery, and long-term vision.
“A club of that dimension should be top of the tree. Unfortunately, they are not.”
United’s response and current outlook
Despite Ronaldo’s remarks, United appear to be stabilizing under Amorim, taking 10 points from their last four league games and climbing into the Premier League’s top eight.
Ratcliffe’s summer overhaul saw over £170 million spent on signings including Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, alongside upgrades to the club’s Carrington training complex.
Amorim will aim to maintain that momentum when United travel to Tottenham on Saturday, while Ronaldo is set to feature for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League against Neom.
