United boss focuses on future as Ronaldo says “miracles are impossible” at Old Trafford
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that the club has “made a lot of mistakes” in the past, but insists that his focus remains firmly on the future as he continues to rebuild one of world football’s most iconic teams.
His comments come in response to remarks made by Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently gave an explosive interview to Piers Morgan, in which he said Amorim could not “work miracles” at a club that still lacks proper “structure.”
Ronaldo: “Manchester United are not on a good path”
Ronaldo, who spent two separate spells at Manchester United, told Morgan that while he respects Amorim’s work, deeper problems at the club have prevented real progress.
“I’m sad, because the club is one of the most important in the world and a club that I still have in my heart,” Ronaldo said.
“They don’t have a structure. I hope that changes in the present and future, because the potential of the club is amazing. They are not on a good path. It’s not only about the coach and players. Miracles are impossible.”
The Al-Nassr striker, now 40, was Amorim’s international teammate during their time together with Portugal and maintains a close connection to English football.
Amorim responds: “We’re trying to change that”
Speaking to the media ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday (12:30 GMT), Amorim refused to be drawn into a direct confrontation with Ronaldo but accepted that the club’s past issues have hindered progress.
“He [Ronaldo] knows he has a huge impact with everything he says,” Amorim explained.
“We know as a club we made a lot of mistakes in the past. We are trying to change that.
Let’s not focus on what happened before. We are changing a lot of things — the structure, the way we want the players to behave. We are improving. Let’s forget the past a little bit.”
Amorim, who is just nine days older than Ronaldo, took charge of Manchester United in November 2024 following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. His leadership has brought a renewed sense of discipline and tactical identity to Old Trafford, even if results have not always matched expectations.
United’s rebuilding phase under Amorim
Since Amorim’s arrival, United have undergone a major squad and cultural overhaul. He guided the Red Devils to the Europa League final last season, though they fell short against Tottenham Hotspur and failed to qualify for the Champions League.
The club’s 15th-place Premier League finish in 2024-25 was their worst since the 1973–74 relegation season, sparking concern among fans and pundits alike.
However, there have been signs of recovery. United have won three of their last four league games, including a hard-fought victory over Liverpool, and currently sit eighth in the Premier League table.
Amorim’s £200m rebuild and renewed identity
During the summer, Manchester United invested over £200 million in new signings, bringing in several young, high-potential players aligned with Amorim’s tactical philosophy of pressing, fluid attacking play, and positional discipline.
Despite an early Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town, United’s recent improvement has eased pressure on Amorim. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly backed the Portuguese coach, stating he needs at least three years to prove he is a “great” manager.
Ratcliffe has also been candid about the challenges United face post-Ferguson:
“The club has not performed at the level that has been expected since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure,” Ratcliffe said earlier this year. “Some players are not good enough, and others are overpaid. That must change.”
Ronaldo’s complicated history with Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo’s relationship with Manchester United remains one of football’s most dramatic storylines.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner first left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2009 after a glittering six-year spell that included a Champions League title and three Premier League trophies.
He returned in August 2021 from Juventus, but his second stint ended abruptly in November 2022 when the club terminated his contract following another Piers Morgan interview, in which he said he had “no respect” for then-manager Erik ten Hag.
Now at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, Ronaldo continues to speak passionately about United, often stressing his desire to see the club return to its former glory.
Amorim’s philosophy: “All-in for the future”
While Amorim respects Ronaldo’s opinion, his focus remains on rebuilding a unified squad and modern football structure at Old Trafford. The 40-year-old manager has emphasized professionalism, unity, and accountability as the pillars of his project.
“We are changing the mentality,” Amorim said earlier this season. “It’s about responsibility, attitude, and desire. The badge must mean something again.”
With the backing of the INEOS-led ownership and new football executives in place, Manchester United’s structural rebuild aims to modernize everything from scouting and analytics to youth development.
Amorim’s progress will be measured not just in short-term results but in the creation of a long-term identity capable of restoring United’s elite status.
The road ahead
Manchester United’s trip to Tottenham will test their recent resurgence and Amorim’s tactical adaptability. The Red Devils have shown improved organization in defense and fluidity in attack — but consistency remains key.
While Ronaldo’s comments reignite debate over United’s decline and direction, Amorim’s message is clear: the focus is on evolution, not retrospection.
If the recent performances are any indication, the foundations of a new era at Old Trafford may finally be taking shape.
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