Key Highlights
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been backed to buy a football club after his recent criticism of Man United.
- Ronaldo’s comments hint at him moving into ownership rather than management when he retires, according to Dean Saunders.
- The five-time Ballon d’Or winner stated that becoming an owner would give him more control over a club’s operations.
- Former Manchester United player Ruben Amorim admitted that mistakes have been made but emphasized focusing on the future rather than past failures.
The Transition: From Player to Owner?
Cristiano Ronaldo, five-time Ballon d’Or winner and current player for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, has stirred speculation about his post-retirement plans. In a candid interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo expressed his concerns over the direction of Manchester United under head coach Ruben Amorim. These comments have now raised questions about whether Ronaldo might opt to buy a football club instead of pursuing a coaching career.
Expert Analysis
Dean Saunders, former Liverpool striker and manager, has weighed in on Ronaldo’s future plans. “I think he’ll buy a club because you’ve then got a bit of control over what happens at the club when you’re in charge of it,” Saunders said during an interview with talkSPORT. This sentiment aligns with Ronaldo’s own assertions that ownership would allow him to exert greater influence, particularly on issues like player behavior and club management.
Ronaldo’s Recent Criticisms
In his recent discussions with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo criticized the club’s hierarchy for failing to take the necessary steps to return Manchester United to its former glory. He specifically pointed out that head coach Ruben Amorim cannot perform miracles on his own. Amorim responded by acknowledging past mistakes but stressed the importance of focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the club’s past failures.
The Financial Context
It’s worth noting that Ronaldo is no stranger to financial success. Bloomberg recently revealed that he has become football’s first billionaire player, with a net worth estimated at over $1 billion. This financial backing would undoubtedly make his potential purchase of a club more feasible.
The Future of Manchester United
With Ronaldo expressing his intention to buy a club when the right opportunity arises and former players like Amorim acknowledging past mistakes, it appears that Manchester United’s future might involve significant changes. The club will need to address its current challenges and ensure a smooth transition for its star player into whatever capacity he chooses to take up post-retirement.
For now, Manchester United fans and football enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how Ronaldo’s words translate into action. As the clock ticks towards his retirement in 2027, speculation continues to mount about whether Ronaldo will indeed follow through on his promise to become a club owner.
