Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed Manchester United’s problems extend far beyond manager Ruben Amorim, following the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards on Friday, the Portuguese star used a striking aquarium metaphor to explain the deep-rooted issues at his former club.
The comments come after United’s latest setback, a 2-0 defeat to Wolves, which has left the club struggling in 14th place in the Premier League table.
Ronaldo explained the club’s troubles using a bizarre metaphor: “It’s like an aquarium.
Cristiano Ronaldo slammed his old club United
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“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 former United striker insisted that changing managers alone won’t resolve the club’s difficulties.
“The problem of Manchester United is the same. The problem is not always the coach. It’s much more than that,” he added.
Under Amorim’s leadership, United have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions.
The Portuguese manager, who took charge at Old Trafford in November following Erik ten Hag’s departure, has struggled to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Behind the scenes, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group has assumed control of football operations after years of fan unrest under the Glazer regime.
Cristiano Ronaldo defended Ruben Amorim at United
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Despite the significant overhaul behind the scenes, difficulties on the pitch have persisted.
Ronaldo emphasised the challenging nature of English football in his remarks: “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’s no easy games any more,” he explained.
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Cristiano Ronaldo emphasised that the Premier League is the toughest league in the world
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reiterated his long-held view about United’s problems: “I said this one year and a half ago, and I will continue to say it: The problem is not the coaches.”
Despite receiving a hero’s welcome upon his return to United in 2021, Ronaldo’s second spell ended controversially following a public falling out with Erik ten Hag.
The breakdown led to explosive claims in a television interview, ultimately resulting in United terminating his contract.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo maintains his affection for the club, stating: “I love Manchester United, I want the best for them.”