Check out the latest Cristiano Ronaldo controversy

In a recent YouTube video, Cristiano Ronaldo took the opportunity to criticize Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, expressing his views on what he perceives as a deficiency in Ten Hag's winning mentality. Speaking with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo argued that Ten Hag lacks the essential drive and mindset needed to manage a club of Manchester United’s stature. He believes that for United to regain its former glory and return to the top echelons of football, a thorough rebuild from the ground up is required. Ronaldo did acknowledge some positive changes at the club, particularly highlighting the efforts of Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group in contributing to the rebuilding process. Despite these developments, Ronaldo remained critical of Ten Hag's approach, suggesting that the manager's enthusiasm for competing at the highest level appears to be lacking. 

All about the latest Cristiano Ronaldo controversy

According to Ronaldo, Ten Hag could benefit from seeking insights and advice from former United players to better understand the club’s illustrious history and the high expectations associated with managing what Ronaldo described as “one of the best clubs in the world.” Ronaldo’s comments reflect his deep connection to Manchester United and his ongoing concern about the club’s direction under Ten Hag's leadership. His remarks underline the significant challenge facing the manager as he navigates the pressures of restoring Manchester United to its former prominence.

"They have to rebuild from the bottom. If not, they cannot compete. It will be impossible. They can do good things. Yes, they can win Carabao Cup, but Champions League or Europa League or Premier League? difficult in my opinion," stated Cristiano Ronaldo. 

"The guys who were there, you (Rio Ferdinand) or Roy Keane or Paul Scholes or Gary Naville... Sir Alex Ferguson. You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge, not guys who work in the office. They think 'Oh, I understand a lot of football because I see football in the television every day', but this doesn't work like that. The people who understand football, 99% are the people who were there in a dressing room who have played. They understand, they know how to deal with the players. It's the people who understand the game," he added. 

Cristiano Ronaldo's relationship with Manchester United has been marked by significant turbulence since his return to the club in 2021. Initially, his second stint at Old Trafford began with high hopes and a promising start. However, as the season progressed, Ronaldo's relationship with the club's management, particularly under Erik ten Hag, began to deteriorate. The discord between Ronaldo and Ten Hag became increasingly apparent, culminating in Ronaldo falling out of favor and eventually leading to his departure from the club.

This strained relationship was notably highlighted by Ronaldo's candid and controversial interview with Piers Morgan. In the interview, Ronaldo didn't hold back, openly criticizing Ten Hag's approach and management style. His remarks shed light on the underlying issues and disagreements that contributed to his exit. This public critique marked a dramatic end to his second spell at Manchester United, underscoring the challenges and conflicts that had characterized his return to the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo's recent remarks have rekindled tensions and highlighted his ongoing frustration with Erik ten Hag’s leadership at Manchester United. Ronaldo's critique underscores his dissatisfaction with the direction in which Ten Hag is guiding the club. Despite his pointed criticisms, Ronaldo has reiterated his deep affection for Manchester United, indicating that his concerns arise from a genuine passion for the club’s success.

As Manchester United navigates a period of significant transformation, Ronaldo's comments serve as a stark reminder of the challenges the club faces in its pursuit of reclaiming its former glory. His feedback and critique reflect his commitment to seeing the club thrive, even if it means publicly addressing issues he perceives as hindering progress. This ongoing discourse illustrates the complexities of Manchester United’s situation and the hurdles it must overcome to restore itself to its elite status in football. Ronaldo’s continued engagement with the club’s fortunes, despite his departure, underscores the high stakes involved in the club's efforts to rejuvenate and succeed on the global stage.