Cristiano Ronaldo has offered some pointed advice for Ruben Amorim, the soon-to-be Manchester United manager, encouraging him to embrace high expectations and aim for the top from the moment he steps into the role. According to Ronaldo, United’s standards are non-negotiable, and any manager at Old Trafford must be prepared to uphold the club’s legacy of success.
Amorim, currently managing Sporting CP, is expected to take over at United on November 11. He’ll be walking into a club that’s had a rocky period under Erik ten Hag, whose tenure was marked by inconsistency and a lack of silverware, apart from a notable FA Cup victory over Manchester City in May. However, Ronaldo believes that Amorim has a unique opportunity to revitalize United, but only if he approaches his role with unwavering ambition and refuses to downplay the club’s goals. Ronaldo, who has been vocal about the mentality required to succeed at United, cautions that Amorim cannot afford to temper his aspirations or lower expectations—even in the face of challenges.
Ronaldo’s comments come from a place of experience, as the former United and Real Madrid superstar has seen firsthand the mentality that drives successful teams. His tenure with United took a tumultuous turn last year when he clashed with Ten Hag over the Dutchman’s perceived lack of ambition. Specifically, Ten Hag had made public statements that suggested United might not realistically contend for the Premier League and Champions League titles. Ronaldo took issue with these remarks, arguing that such statements could undermine the confidence and drive of the squad. “Maybe we don’t have that potential, but you cannot say that. We’re going to try,” Ronaldo said, stressing that the right mentality is essential, even if the squad faces tough competition.
The rift between Ronaldo and Ten Hag ultimately reached a breaking point in October 2022, when Ronaldo was disciplined after refusing to enter as a substitute during a match against Tottenham. This incident led to heated discussions among teammates and fans alike, as some sided with Ten Hag’s strict disciplinary approach, while others felt the punishment was too harsh. Ronaldo’s frustrations deepened when he found himself isolated, even being barred from the dressing room, a move that underscored the tension between him and the Dutch manager.
Ronaldo’s subsequent departure from United followed a revealing interview with Piers Morgan, where he openly criticized the club’s leadership and Ten Hag’s methods. Since then, his relationship with the club has taken a new direction, particularly with Amorim’s arrival. Unlike his experience with Ten Hag, Ronaldo appears to share a rapport with Amorim, whom he has reportedly nicknamed “the poet” due to the incoming manager’s calm, articulate approach when communicating with players and the media.
For Ronaldo, Amorim’s thoughtful communication style stands in stark contrast to the blunt, sometimes confrontational manner of Ten Hag, making him optimistic about the new era at United. With Amorim at the helm, Ronaldo believes United can rebuild a culture of winning. He has emphasized that the mentality must shift toward aiming for the top, regardless of the obstacles, and that Amorim’s leadership will be tested by how well he can inspire that ambition across the squad.
As Amorim prepares for his debut, he’ll be carrying not only the expectations of United fans but also the insights and counsel of one of the game’s most iconic players. Ronaldo’s call for an unwavering focus on winning sets a high bar, and for Amorim, it may be the driving force needed to ignite a new chapter at Old Trafford.