Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has responded to comments from the club’s former forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently criticised the Red Devils’ direction and questioned Amorim’s ability to deliver results at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo, who left Manchester United in the summer after a brief return to the club, told British media personality Piers Morgan in an interview that Manchester United is “not on the right path”. He also cautioned that Amorim would “not do miracles”, referring to the team’s performance struggles so far this season in the Premier League.
Speaking ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, Amorim called for the club, its supporters, and even Ronaldo to focus on the future rather than the past.
Amorim, a Portuguese coach, said that while Ronaldo’s opinions are respected due to his status and influence, the priority is to build a stronger team for the future.
“Of course, he [Ronaldo] has a huge impact on everything he said. What we need to focus on is the future. We know that we, as a club, made a lot of mistakes in the past, but we are trying to change that,” Amorim said.
He added that the team has been undergoing significant changes in structure, approach, and culture to improve performances on and off the pitch.
“So let’s not focus on what happened. Let’s focus on what we are doing now. We are changing a lot of things in the structure, the way we do things, the way we want the players to behave. We are doing that and we are improving,” the manager explained.
Amorim noted that the characteristics of the current squad are different from previous seasons, reflecting a renewed sense of confidence and understanding of the game.
“Characteristics of the players are different in the team now. We also have players who played last year. But we are a better team. We understand the game better. We are more confident,” he said.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments reflect growing concerns among former players, fans, and analysts about Manchester United’s struggles to regain consistency and competitiveness in the Premier League following a period of managerial changes and squad rebuilds.
Since returning to Manchester United in 2021, Ronaldo has often spoken candidly about the club’s management decisions and team performance. His recent remarks to Piers Morgan come amid a tough start to the 2025/26 season, in which the Red Devils have been inconsistent in the league and are still seeking stability under Amorim’s leadership.
The Portuguese striker’s warning that miracles should not be expected from Amorim underscores the pressures facing the coaching staff. Analysts have pointed out that Manchester United is in a transitional phase, integrating younger players while trying to maintain competitiveness among Europe’s top teams.
Amorim has highlighted that the focus is now on long-term improvement rather than short-term criticism. He highlighted steps being taken to ensure discipline, teamwork, and a clear playing philosophy at Old Trafford.
“We are changing the way we do things, and we want players to behave in a certain way. The improvements are ongoing, and we are building a team that is more balanced, confident, and prepared to handle challenges,” Amorim said.
Manchester United fans have had mixed reactions to Ronaldo’s interview, with some agreeing with his assessment and others defending the current squad and coaching approach. Amorim’s comments are likely aimed at reassuring supporters that the club’s leadership is committed to progress and development, even amid critical voices.
The Premier League tie against Tottenham Hotspur provides an immediate opportunity for Manchester United to demonstrate the improvements Amorim has been emphasizing. Success on the pitch could also reduce criticism and strengthen morale among players and fans alike.
“The past cannot define us. We are working for the future, focusing on improvements in every aspect—from training methods to player behavior. We aim to build a stronger, more confident team,” Amorim reiterated.
