Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview adds to the many criticisms made about Manchester United
Follow Us
Cristiano Ronaldo during his interview with Piers Morgan
Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure from Manchester United changed how the club functioned. Once destined to win at least a single trophy every year, United found themselves struggling to make the top four. Ferguson’s appointment of David Moyes was deemed a failure, and almost every manager after him failed to guide United back to glory. Initially, managers were blamed. Then, players suffered the same. However, when one retrospects, it seems the problem is deep.
On November 13th, football fans around the world were waiting with anticipation for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar to commence. For a tournament that happens once in four years, fans from different countries were excited to see their favorite teams play. However, a tweet from veteran journalist Piers Morgan shifted the attention of fans from the World Cup to Cristiano Ronaldo. At that moment, Ronaldo was the most important man in football, and his name was trending on social media.
In his tweet, Morgan mentioned that Cristiano Ronaldo gave the journalist his most explosive interview to date. With the first part of the interview being released, fans can witness Ronaldo open the lid on his return to Manchester United. The highest international goal scorer spoke about being betrayed by Manchester United. He further highlighted that since the era of Sir Alex Ferguson ended, it felt as if the English club made no progress. In his conversation with Morgan, Ronaldo also threw shade on United manager Erik Ten Hag and also attacked the management. Ronaldo though is not the first United man to question and criticize the team on a public platform.
After United parted ways with David Moyes, the club appointed Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal. With experience under his belt, Van Gaal was expected to sail United’s boat to victory. After making some prominent signings in his very first season at the helm, there were expectations he would guide the club to the Premier League crown. But, at his very best, the Dutch manager could only afford a 4th place finish with the team.
In the following season, Van Gaal found slight success as he guided the team to FA Cup victory. However, poor performances in the Premier League and Europe made him suffer the sack. After his tenure ended with United, Van Gaal threw shade at the club and compared it with his former team Bayern Munich. “Man United are a commercial club, quite different to Bayern. For Bayern football is the most important thing, not money, as United,” said Van Gaal. [H/T Evening Standard]
Like Cristiano Ronaldo, previous players and managers have exposed the lows at Manchester United
Ironically, Van Gaal wasn’t the only one to throw flak at the English club. His successor Jose Mourinho had his fair share of words too. Compared to all United managers after Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho arguably provided the club with its best results in recent memory. Under his tenure, the Red Devils won the EFL cup and the UEFA Europa League. While Mourinho guided United to a 6th place finish in his first season, the results improved as United finished second the following season but trophyless.
When many had begun to believe in the Portuguese manager’s project, there were reports about growing conflict in the dressing room. Many also believed that the United bosses were unhappy with the progress Mourinho made in certain aspects. Eventually, in December 2018, the club decided to part ways with the Europa League-winning manager. Much after his time at United ended, Mourinho reflected upon his tenure. He said, “About Manchester United I only want to say two things: One is that time has spoken. Two is that problems are still there.” [H/T Bleacher Report]
During the time Jose Mourinho managed United, the Portuguese manager signed star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish national spent almost two years at United and found success as he netted 17 goals in 33 appearances for the club. However, once out of the team, Zlatan questioned the mentality of United in his book Adrenaline. In an interview, he said, “Everyone thinks of Manchester United as a top club, one of the richest and most powerful in the world, and seen from the outside it looked that way to me. But once I was there, I found a small, closed mentality.” [H/T The Athletic]
One of the major differences between the statements of Ronaldo and the others is that the former criticized United while still being a part of the squad. As a result, his statements have led to disappointment in the dressing room. According to reports, United boss Erik ten Hag has made it clear to his bosses that he does not want Ronaldo to play another game for Manchester United. Among the players too, Raphael Varane spoke about the impact Ronaldo’s statements had. The long-time teammate of the Portuguese star admitted that Ronaldo’s statement did affect the team.
Since the videos of Ronaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan came out, United’s no. 7 has been a subject of criticism from fans. While his die-hard supporters continue to stand beside him, a majority of United fans believe Ronaldo is in the wrong. However, the real question is, was CR7 wrong in adding to what many others have said before? As a club, many statements suggest that things at Manchester United have not been so well since the end of the Ferguson era. Was it Ronaldo’s restricted game time that made him expose United? Or are there genuine problems at the club? Well, these are some questions only time can answer. Until then, it’s over to the World Cup.
Stay Updated!
Varun Anand Bhat
(106 Articles Published)