“THE PERFORMANCE OF SPORTING YESTERDAY CLEARLY SHOWS THAT YOU ARE THE MAN FOR THE JOB BUT IF YOU WANT TO REMAIN CONSISTENT AT OLD TRAFFORD, YOU NEED ONE MORE THING AND THIS WAS EXACTLY WHAT ERIK TEN HAG LACKED DURING HIS TIME” –

Cristiano Ronaldo has offered advice to Ruben Amorim, the soon-to-be Manchester United manager, urging him to embrace the club’s high expectations and aim for success from the outset. Ronaldo emphasized that United’s standards are non-negotiable, and any manager at Old Trafford must be ready to uphold the club’s legacy of excellence.

Amorim, who currently manages Sporting CP, is expected to take over at United on November 11. He will inherit a club that has experienced a turbulent period under Erik ten Hag, whose time at United was marked by inconsistency and a lack of major trophies, with the exception of a notable FA Cup win over Manchester City in May. Ronaldo believes that Amorim has the chance to revitalize the team, but only if he approaches the role with unshakable ambition and refuses to lower the club’s expectations, regardless of challenges.

Ronaldo’s comments come from his own extensive experience at top clubs, having seen the mentality required for success firsthand. His time at United took a turn when he clashed with Ten Hag, particularly over the manager’s public comments that seemed to suggest United wasn’t equipped to contend for the Premier League and Champions League titles. Ronaldo took issue with these remarks, arguing that such statements could erode the confidence of the team. “Maybe we don’t have that potential, but you cannot say that. We’re going to try,” Ronaldo remarked, stressing that the right mentality is crucial, even in tough circumstances.

The tension between Ronaldo and Ten Hag escalated in October 2022 when Ronaldo was disciplined for refusing to come on as a substitute during a match against Tottenham. This incident deepened the divide, with some supporting Ten Hag’s strict discipline, while others felt Ronaldo’s punishment was excessive. The situation worsened when Ronaldo was isolated, even being excluded from the dressing room, signaling the growing tension between him and the manager.

Ronaldo’s departure from United followed a revealing interview with Piers Morgan, where he criticized the club’s leadership and Ten Hag’s methods. Since then, his relationship with the club has shifted, especially with Amorim’s imminent arrival. Unlike his experience with Ten Hag, Ronaldo reportedly shares a good rapport with Amorim, who he has nicknamed “the poet” due to the new manager’s calm and articulate communication style with players and the media.

Ronaldo sees Amorim’s thoughtful approach as a contrast to Ten Hag’s sometimes confrontational manner, making him hopeful for a positive new era at United. He believes that with Amorim in charge, United can rebuild a winning culture, emphasizing the importance of aiming for the top, no matter the obstacles. Ronaldo’s focus on mentality will be a key challenge for Amorim, who will need to inspire the same level of ambition and drive across the squad.

As Amorim prepares for his debut, he will carry the weight of United fans’ expectations and the advice of one of the game’s greatest players. Ronaldo’s insistence on an unwavering focus on success sets a high bar, and Amorim’s ability to inspire this mentality could be crucial in shaping the next chapter at Old Trafford.