Cristiano Ronaldo Urges Manchester United to Undergo Complete Squad Rebuild

Manchester United is a massive club with a great history, but to compete again at the highest level, they need to rebuild — from top to bottom," Ronaldo said. His words have sparked intense debate among fans and pundits, coming at a time when the club finds itself in turmoil both on and off the pitch.

Since Ronaldo's dramatic exit from Old Trafford in late 2022, United have failed to regain their footing as genuine title contenders. Under Erik ten Hag, the club has seen glimpses of promise but remains plagued by inconsistency, poor transfer decisions, and internal unrest. The 2024–25 campaign has been yet another reminder that the glory days of the Sir Alex Ferguson era feel increasingly distant.

Ronaldo, now 39, acknowledged that modern football demands adaptability and vision. “You can't live on the past. United needs to modernize its structure, recruit better, and have a clear football identity. Just buying players without a plan won’t work,” he stated. His comments appear to be directed at the club’s recruitment policies, which have drawn criticism for being reactive rather than strategic.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also emphasized the importance of leadership both on and off the pitch. “There’s no clear leader in the squad right now — someone who can drive the team forward when things get tough. That mentality used to be United’s identity,” Ronaldo added, referring to the leadership vacuum that has become apparent since the departure of veterans like himself and others.

Ronaldo’s remarks carry significant weight. Not only is he one of United’s greatest-ever players, but he has also played under some of the most elite systems in world football, including Real Madrid and Juventus. His experience across different football cultures adds credibility to his evaluation.

At the core of Ronaldo’s critique is a call for structural reform. He believes that the club needs to appoint football-savvy executives, improve its scouting department, and invest in youth development with a long-term vision. “Clubs like Manchester City and even Arsenal now have a clear style, a pathway for youth, and consistency in decisions. United lacks that clarity,” he said.

His comments have resonated with many within the footballing world. Former teammates, such as Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, have echoed similar sentiments in recent years, arguing that the club needs to realign its philosophy and return to a culture of accountability and ambition.

Manchester United have yet to respond officially to Ronaldo’s statements, but insiders suggest that new stakeholders within the club, including minority owners INEOS, are already working behind the scenes to introduce major reforms — from improved training facilities to modernized analytics and recruitment tools.

Whether Ronaldo's public comments will influence change remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Manchester United’s problems run deep, and the call for a total rebuild — coming from someone who once helped carry them to glory — is a message the club can no longer afford to ignore.