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Cristiano Ronaldo said it makes him sad to see the current state of Manchester United as he opened up on the struggles of his former club. The Portuguese legend backed current United manager Ruben Amorim, but insisted he cannot perform miracles as he lamented the lack of structure and direction at the club.
United endured a difficult period under Amorim last season as they finished trophyless and failed to qualify for Europe. The Red Devils lost the Europa League final against league rivals Tottenham Hotspur after a disastrous campaign in the Premier League, which saw them finish a dismal 14th.
United had a sluggish start once again in the ongoing 2025-26 season, but have regained rhythm in the last few games. Amorim recently guided the club to three consecutive wins in the Premier League for the first time since taking charge last season. However, United's winning run ended after their 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest last week.
Ronaldo, who ended his second spell at United in November 2022, expressed his sadness at the state of the club over the last few years and urged the United hierarchy to work with some of the ex-players to bring the club back on track. He also reminisced about his first stint at United, where he achieved incredible success.
"I'm sad because it's one of the most important clubs in the world, a club that I still have in my heart," said Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
"You have to work with smart people to create a base for the future as Manchester did so many years ago with Nicky Butt, Gary [Neville], [Roy] Keane, [David] Beckham - they became big players but had youth. Manchester United right now don't have a structure," he added.
Ronaldo, who had lashed out at Manchester United's owners and the club's hierarchy in an interview with Morgan after leaving the club in 2022, once again questioned the lack of direction at the Premier League club. He insisted that United's problems run beyond the quality of the players in the squad and their manager.
"I hope that changes in the present future because the potential of the club is amazing. It's one of the most important clubs of the century... We all have to be honest and say they are not in a good path. They need to change. It's not only about the coach and players, in my opinion, it's much more," said the Portuguese icon.
Ronaldo was a promising teenager when he first arrived at Manchester United in 2003. He quickly went on to become one of the best players in the world after developing under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson at United. Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, one Champions League and his maiden Ballon d'Or at United before leaving for Real Madrid, where he took his legacy to another level.
The Portuguese striker, who continues to go strong at 40, said he loves United as he spent a significant period of his career at the club and said he wants to see them succeed. However, he insisted Amorim cannot perform miracles as a manager if he is not backed properly by the club.
"Of course, because I played there for many years. I won the Champions League, the Golden Ball there. I won many titles there. I love that club," said Ronaldo about his love for United.
"He (Amorim) is doing his best. What is he going to do - miracles? That's impossible. As we say in Portugal, miracles you get in [the Sanctuary of] Ftima," he added.
Questioning the mentality of some of the players in United's current squad, Ronaldo doubted if they understand the ethos of United. "The players that United have are good players, but some of them don't have in their mind what Manchester United is," he said.
