Cristiano Ronaldo makes huge Man United ownership claim as superstar hints at next steps

The 39-year-old has enjoyed two spells with Man United during a sensational career, first representing the Red Devils between 2003 and 2009 before turning out for the club between 2021 and 2022.

Ronaldo's time at Old Trafford ended on a negative note following the breakdown of his relationship with the club's former head coach Erik ten Hag, and the Portuguese was also heavily critical of the club's owners, the Glazer family, during an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

The Al-Nassr remains a hugely popular figure with the Man United supporters, though, and he has claimed that he would fix the English giants if he were ever to become their owner.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a minority shareholder of the Red Devils earlier this year, but the British billionaire's cost-cutting measurers have drawn huge criticism, while the team are struggling on the field.

Ronaldo talks-up potential ownership role at Man United

Ronaldo has insisted that Ruben Amorim, who became Man United's new head coach last month, is not to blame for the problems, with the team currently sitting down in 14th spot in the Premier League table.

"[The] Premier League it's the most difficult league in the world. All the teams are good, all the teams fight, all the teams run, all the teams are strong. Football is different right now. There are no easy games any more," said Ronaldo at the Dubai Global Soccer Awards.

"I said this a year and a half ago, and I will continue to say it: The problem is not the coaches, it's like... I always give this example... it's like an aquarium. If you have the fish inside and he's sick and you take him out and you fix the problem and you put him again in an aquarium you will be sick again.

"The problem of Manchester United is the same. The problem is not always the coach. It's much more than that. If I will be the owner of the club, I will make things clear and adjust things that are bad there."

Ronaldo insists Amorim is not to blame for Man United issues

Man United have won just four of their 10 matches under Amorim, suffering five defeats in the process, with the Red Devils currently on a run of three straight losses in all competitions.

However, Ronaldo has insisted that "the sun will rise" at Old Trafford with Amorim at the helm.

"He (Amorim) did a fantastic job in Portugal with my (club) Sporting [Lisbon], but the Premier League is a different beast, the most competitive league in the world," he added.

"I knew that it would be tough and they will continue the storm. But the storm will finish and the sun will rise."

Man United will be aiming to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day when they welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford in England's top flight on Monday evening.

Written by

Matt Law