Manchester United is currently embroiled in deep challenges, both on the field and off, as speculation surrounds their managerial situation and players' performances. Legendary player Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his thoughts on the matter, emphasizing the systemic problems within the club rather than placing blame solely on new manager Ruben Amorim.
Ronaldo, who made waves with his return to Manchester United and later left after controversial statements about the club's underperformance and ownership, insists the issues run much broader than managerial changes. Speaking after the Globe Soccer Awards event on December 27, 2024, Ronaldo said, "If I become the owner of the club, I will explain everything and adjust what I think is bad there." This stark proclamation showcases Ronaldo's enduring affection for Manchester United, as well as his frustration with the present situation.
Critiquing the club's ownership by the Glazer family, Ronaldo pointed out, "The Premier League is the toughest league in the world. All teams are good, all teams are fighting, all teams are running, all players are strong. Football is different now. No more easy games." His sentiment resonates with fans who have long felt disconnected from the corporate governance of their beloved team.
On the managerial front, Amorim’s appointment came amid significant turbulence following Erik ten Hag's departure. Under Amorim's guidance, the club has struggled to find its rhythm, with performances lagging and results disappointing. According to reports, the team has lost six of their last eight matches, putting the manager's position under scrutiny. Despite this, Amorim remains resolute, as he explained the need for leadership on the pitch.
Ruben Amorim recently faced the media and called on Harry Maguire to be one of those key leaders. Despite enduring his own ups and downs since joining the club for £80 million back in 2019, Maguire has had the club trigger his contract extension, keeping him until June 2026. Amorim stated, "Harry Maguire is going to trigger our option. I spoke to him this morning and I told him he has to improve his game on the pitch. We need him a lot." The sentiment is clear: the club is relying on seasoned players like Maguire to step up and lead, particularly during this tumultuous period.
It's worth noting the weight of leadership Amorim is placing on his players. "When you look at our team, we are starving for leaders on the pitch. He is a leader, he has to improve on his game," he urged. The current squad, he argues, requires experienced figures to guide the relatively younger talents, especially as the pressure mounts from their underwhelming position on the league table.
Maguire's leadership has faced challenges, particularly after being stripped of the captaincy when Ten Hag took charge. Currently, Bruno Fernandes has taken over as captain, but Amorim's acknowledgment of the difficulties involved emphasizes the urgency for players like Maguire to rise to the occasion.
"This moment is really, really hard because you can look at the table, but you are still Manchester United. This gap and this pressure of a big club being in such low moments is really hard to cope with," Amorim emphasized. His comments underline the extreme expectations placed upon the club's players, highlighting the requirement for not just skill but also mental fortitude.
United's current plight extends beyond just the managerial and leadership conversations. It evokes passionate discourse among fans and analysts alike, pondering the future of the club. Will Amorim be able to reshape the squad's fortunes, or will external factors hinder progress? Ronaldo's critique reflects the sentiments of many supporters who believe it's time for fundamental changes. He stated, "The Manchester United problem is the same. The problem isn't always the coach. It's much more than just hiring someone new."
With Amorim at the helm and pressure mounting, only time will tell whether the team can rally together and emerge stronger from this challenging period. The call for leadership and accountability resonates not only within United’s dressing room but also among its passionate fan base, left wondering what the next chapter holds for their iconic club.