Just a year ago today, Manchester United were embroiled in all kinds of drama – with Cristiano Ronaldo at the center of it all.
Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the world in the first part of his explosive two-part interview with Piers Morgan on 16 November 2022, which discussed just about everything to do with Manchester United .
First-team squad, head coach, coaching staff, academy, training ground and more are all on the agenda – with the legendary striker making some bold claims.
Now, we look back at some of those claims and whether it took 365 days for them to come to light. All quotes come from Piers Morgan’s uncensored YouTube channel.
Erik ten Hag only for Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo was asked if Erik ten Hag would suit him at Manchester United.
What Ronaldo said:
“He didn’t respect me the way I deserved it, but that’s what it is. That’s probably why I left against Tottenham.
“He (Ten Witches) always said to me that I don’t need pre-season, I should wait for my chance. I said okay, I understand. He won’t do the same thing to every player and I won’t mention it players, but they don’t do things the same way.
More stories of unity
judgment:
this is Incorrect.
As recent times have clearly shown, the Ten Witches ensure that no player believes they are greater than the club.
Jadon Sancho’s debacle is a case in point, with the Dutchman completely leaving him out of the Old Trafford frame.
Last season, Marcus Rashford was dismissed 45 seconds late at his best.
Ten Witches did not deal with Ronaldo. The Portuguese striker simply believes he shouldn’t be dropped just because of his name.
Ronaldo praises Diogo Dalot as Manchester United’s success
Ronaldo was asked what his advice would be on the secret to success in United’s current squad.
What Ronaldo said:
“I can only say what I saw with my own eyes. At Manchester United I can mention Dalot. An example, he is young and very professional.
“I have no doubt he will have a long life in football. “He is young, bright, smart and very professional. “
judgment:
this is Inconclusive.
Diogo Dalot has shown clear signs of being a great player for Manchester United, but recently, some of his performances have come under a lot of scrutiny.
Picking a Portuguese full-back in a sea of talent seemed a bit biased against Ronaldo, a statement we might say a year later was based on friendship rather than innate footballing ability.
Dalot still has time to turn things around, but he’s definitely not on par with United’s best players at the moment.
Christianity Ronaldo on Arsenal winning Premier League
Ronaldo was asked who he expected to win the Premier League or who had a good chance.
What Ronaldo said:
“Manchester United first and if not, Arsenal is a team I like to watch. I like the team. I like the manager. They have a good team.
“If Manchester United don’t win the Premier League, if Arsenal do, I’ll be happy.”
judgment:
this Did not happen.
As we all know, Manchester City actually won the Premier League… as well as the Champions League and FA Cup to rival Manchester United’s infamous 1999 season.
Ronaldo could be saying that if United don’t win, he’ll choose Arsenal because that’s Pearce’s favorite team. However, that didn’t happen, even though they had good chances this season.
Ronaldo thinks Solskjaer is a good future coach
Ronaldo was asked what he thought of Solskjaer.
What Ronaldo said:
“I love Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. I think he is a top person because this is the heart of this person in my heart. And Ole, for me, is a top person.
“It was tough. It was tough to take on (the role) after Sir Alex Ferguson, but I think he did a really good job.
“You need more time. But I never doubted that he would be a good coach in the future. But it was a good experience. “I was happy to work with him, even for a short period of time. “
judgment:
this is Inconclusive.
Solskjaer has yet to find another football manager role since leaving Manchester United.
The Norwegian has taken some much-needed time off but is likely to return to management one day.
One thing people have noticed is that Solskjaer now has more respect from United fans as a coach. They showed he has done wonders with some players and is a great coach.
Ronaldo is right, Solskjaer does have the basic qualities to be a good coach – albeit not a Manchester United coach.
Ronaldo on whether Manchester United will improve as a club
Ronaldo was asked if he thought United were capable of progressing as a club.
What Ronaldo said:
“Where Manchester is now compared to that club, I think it’s lagging behind, which surprises me.
“In my opinion, a club of this size should be at the top of the tree but unfortunately they are not. They are not there yet. But I hope that in the next few years they can get to the top level.
“I don’t know what happened but since Sir Alex Ferguson left I have seen no change at the club, zero progress.”
judgment:
Nothing has changed.
Ronaldo knew what he was getting into when he rejoined the Red Devils. Anyone who follows the club will know that it has changed dramatically since Ferguson retired, and not for the better.
He started out naively thinking things were different, however, we would tell him the truth, a year on and things have barely changed.
Despite the Glazer family’s decision to sell the club on November 22, 2022, the day Ronaldo’s contract with Manchester United ends by mutual consent, the takeover saga continues.
Combine that with a lack of funds, the fact that Old Trafford is in decline and the club is still in a strange purgatory phase, and we’d give Ronaldo the feeling that this improvement is “zero”.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo stay at Manchester United?
Ronaldo was asked if he would stay at Manchester United.
What Ronaldo said:
“It’s hard to say now because my mood right now is (focused on) the World Cup. This could be my last World Cup and, of course, my fifth World Cup.”
“I don’t know what will happen after the World Cup, but as I told you before and I will say it again, the fans will always be in my heart. I hope they will be there for me even if I come back, or I don’t come back, or I Stay or whatever.”
judgment:
his contract was terminated.
A week later, the club parted ways with Ronaldo, with Saudi Professional League club Al Nasr FC acquiring his services.
This is the right decision. There was no return after this interview.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo face criticism after interview
Ronaldo was asked if he thought he would face criticism following the interview.
What Ronaldo said:
“They criticize me when I don’t speak, so of course they criticize me when I speak – even more. But it’s something I can deal with. I know I’m going to let some people down. Maybe I’ll chip in a few personal.
“But it is what it is. Life is completely difficult and we have obstacles in our lives and I will continue to run against people who don’t believe in me. Life is a challenge and I want people to know they are wrong.
judgment:
true and false.
Ronaldo was heavily criticized for this, with many viewing his behavior as unprofessional and arrogant.
However, many also praised Ronaldo for his outspokenness. However, a year later, nothing seems to have changed, and Ronaldo’s interview seems to have done nothing but trigger a huge media storm for Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo on when to retire
What Ronaldo said:
“I want to play two, three more years. So two or three years at most. I want to finish at 40. I think 40 would be a good age… but I don’t know, I don’t know the future.
“Sometimes you plan a thing for your life, and as I’ve said many times, life is dynamic and you never know what’s going to happen.”
judgment:
This is very possible.
Ronaldo, 38, is still performing strongly despite being in a weaker league.
He’s showing no signs of slowing down this season with 30 goals in 20 games for club and country.
We wouldn’t be surprised if I exceeded that number.
Cristiano Ronaldo on whether Ralf Rangnick knows what he’s doing
Ronaldo was asked if Ralf Rangnick knew what he was doing when he coached Manchester United.
What Ronaldo said:
“No, they don’t know. They know the club very well. But they don’t know the main dimension within the club, the history of the club.
“That was more of a surprise to me. “When you sack Solskjaer you should bring in a top coach, not a sporting director. “
judgment:
Rangnick knows more than we think.
The German coach has often been criticized for his style of play at Manchester United, and yes, he probably deserves it, but he pointed to fundamental issues that still pervade the club to this day.
Rangnick famously quoted Manchester United needing “open heart surgery”. Nowhere is this more evident than in what we’ve seen from the team this season.
He also suggested United sign some players who have become world-class powers and has a soft spot for certain departing players who are currently thriving.
Underrated, is the word that comes to mind.
Will Manchester United fans still like Cristiano Ronaldo?
Ronaldo was asked how he thought fans would react to his interview.
What Ronaldo said:
“I hope they (Manchester United fans) are always on my side, even if I come back, or if I don’t come back, or if I stay and so on.
“My fans will always be with me and in my heart. When I take to the streets I see the love, passion and respect people have for me. I hope they never forget what I will continue to do.
“Manchester will always be on my side and the fans will always be on my side; “It doesn’t matter what happens. “
judgment:
Finally this one real.
Despite the drama caused by the interview, Ronaldo will forever be ingrained in the hearts of United fans.
The Portuguese football legend will be remembered as one of the greatest players in the club’s history, having scored countless goals, won numerous trophies, created iconic moments and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Old Trafford will always be a place that adores everything about Cristiano Ronaldo.