Cristiano Ronaldo sparks a verbal clash with the beleaguered Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

**Ronaldo Calls for Manchester United Rebuild Amid Ten Hag Pressure**

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – In a candid conversation with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo has once again stirred the pot regarding Manchester United’s current state. He insists that the club must “rebuild from the bottom” if they are to compete at the highest level.

The pressure is mounting on United manager Erik ten Hag, particularly after the club’s dismal eighth-place finish last season, marking their lowest position in Premier League history. Any glimmer of hope for the new season has quickly faded, with the Red Devils suffering two defeats in their opening three matches.

Ronaldo, who made a sensational return to Old Trafford in 2021, has raised questions about whether Ten Hag is the right man to lead the club forward. Speaking on Ferdinand’s podcast, set to air on Thursday, the Portuguese superstar expressed his concerns.

“The coach says they cannot compete to win the league and Champions League,” Ronaldo stated. “As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League. Mentally, you might think we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try; you have to try.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who enjoyed immense success during his first spell at United under Sir Alex Ferguson, emphasized his enduring love for the club. “What I wish for Manchester United is what I wish for myself – to be the best team they can be. I love that club.. I’m not the kind of guy who forgets the past.”

Ronaldo’s second stint at United ended in controversy, particularly following a fallout with Ten Hag when he found himself benched during the first half of the 2022-2023 season. This discord culminated in an explosive interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan, where he claimed to feel “betrayed” by the manager and expressed a lack of respect for him.

In a subtle nod to United’s co-owner and Ineos CEO Jim Ratcliffe, Ronaldo offered some advice: “They need to rebuild everything, in my opinion. The club needs time to rebuild because it’s still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change. They understand that this is the only way.”

Ronaldo acknowledged the positive steps being taken, noting the investment in the training ground and changes in the club’s structure. “I believe that the future will be bright. They don’t depend only on talent; they have to rebuild from the bottom. If not, they cannot compete. It will be impossible.”

One bright spot in United’s recent recruitment is the addition of former teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy to Ten Hag’s coaching staff. Ronaldo believes that if Ten Hag heeds Van Nistelrooy’s advice, it could significantly benefit the club.

“If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can help himself,” Ronaldo remarked. “I think it can help a lot because he knows the club, and the club should listen to those who were there. You, Rio, or Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, or Sir Alex Ferguson – you cannot rebuild a club without knowledge, not just from those who work in the office.”

Ronaldo concluded by emphasizing the importance of having individuals with firsthand experience in the dressing room. “The people who understand football are those who were there. They know how to deal with the players. I believe that Ruud is going to help because he was inside the club. He knows the club, he knows the fans. If the coach listens to him, I think they can improve a little bit.”

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Ten Hag and his ability to navigate the challenges ahead, with Ronaldo’s words echoing in the minds of fans and pundits alike.