September 11, 2024
By Okafor Joseph

Cristiano Ronaldo has advised Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to heed the advice of club legends, especially from his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy.

As part of a major overhaul under the new INEOS ownership, Manchester United made significant changes to their board, backroom, and playing staff during the off-season. New minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe led the charge for change, hoping to restore the club’s fortunes after a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League during the 2023-24 season.

Despite starting the 2024-25 season with a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham, United have since faltered, suffering back-to-back defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool. The 3-0 loss to their arch-rivals Liverpool has only increased the pressure on Ten Hag, who remains defiant about his team’s potential.

Ronaldo, who remains an iconic figure at Old Trafford despite his tumultuous departure in December 2022 following a falling-out with Ten Hag, continues to follow United’s fortunes closely. Now plying his trade with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has expressed his frustration with United’s struggles and inability to contend for the Premier League title.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, which is set to be released on Friday, Ronaldo shared his belief that Ten Hag could benefit from the wisdom of club legends like van Nistelrooy, whom the Dutchman appointed as his assistant this summer. Van Nistelrooy, a former United striker, scored 150 goals in 219 appearances between 2001 and 2006, winning both the Premier League and FA Cup during his time at the club.

Ronaldo remarked, “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can help himself. I think it can help a lot because he knows the club, and the club should listen to the guys who were there.”

He went on to emphasize the importance of incorporating input from former players: “You [Rio], Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, even Sir Alex Ferguson—these are the people who truly understand the club. You cannot rebuild a club without their knowledge. Not the guys working in the office, but those who’ve been in the dressing room, who understand how to deal with players and know the culture.”

Ronaldo concluded by expressing confidence in van Nistelrooy’s potential impact: “I believe Ruud can help because he knows the club, the fans, and the essence of Manchester United. If the coach listens to him, I think it can improve the club.”

What’s Next for United?

After the international break, Manchester United will travel to face newly-promoted Southampton on September 14. They will then meet Barnsley in the EFL Cup, followed by fixtures against Crystal Palace, FC Twente in the Europa League, and Tottenham Hotspur before the end of the month.