It may not be the most familiar of anniversaries, given Manchester United and United’s unrivaled history, but it’s been a year since Cristiano Ronaldo retired That A bombshell at Old Trafford.
Everyone got this during a shocking interview with TV personality Piers Morgan, in which Ronaldo dished on the likes of Eric ten Hag, Gary Neville, Ralf Rangnick and countless others People shoot. Not even the Glazers are safe.
Now the much-maligned American has been criticized almost throughout its ownership. However, Ronaldo’s parting words were heartbreaking and much has changed since then, but very little.
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Ronaldo said: “The owners don’t care about the club and professional sport.” Arsenal supporter Morgan and fans of other Premier League rivals welcomed the move. Clearly, United were shocked.
“The fans are always right. They deserve to know the truth,” he continued. “The players want the best for the club and I want the best for the club. That’s why I came to Manchester United and that’s why I love this club… Inside the club There are things that haven’t helped Manchester to get to the top level like Manchester City, Liverpool or even now Arsenal. It’s complicated. It’s difficult. It’s difficult.”
Ronaldo knew there was no turning back. His sit-down with Morgan felt more like a full-blown tornado than a storm in a teacup. Everything the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said carries weight, and there were plenty of contradictions in the revelations made by TalkTV.
His accusations against the Glazer family are nothing new. United supporters know the deal as well as anyone, and while Ronaldo has annoyed even those who admire him for one or two other topics he’s been pressed on, his comments about the club’s owners are always going to be well-received.
It was an empty net, and Ronaldo never misses these goals.
Ronaldo’s second visit to Old Trafford ended quickly and he immediately chose his next adventure. He continues to score “tons” in the barely competitive but lucrative market of Saudi Arabia, while United are still chasing treble-winning neighbors Manchester City and others at the top of the Premier League.
Changes have been taking place at boardroom level in the 12 months since Ronaldo took the microphone off, with INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe preparing to complete his minority stake purchase. While the 25% stake he is about to buy – for £1.25bn from the Glazer family – is not the overhaul most supporters want, there is hope that United’s fortunes on and off the pitch will eventually change.
When Sir Jim stepped into the boardroom, he encountered numerous problems. However, Ronaldo has laid out the main priorities simply and clearly.
First and foremost, he must show how much he cares about athletic success. Of course, ambition needs to be backed up by football-first decision-making, business acumen in the transfer market and better PR to keep long-suffering supporters informed, but Sir Jim knows exactly how to win over his business partners quickly .
Ronaldo didn’t need to tell him that.