Premier League: Cristiano Ronaldo interview (Warning! It's another Messi V Ronaldo thread)

[Ali Dia]

There’s something Roy Keane-esque about it. He’s calling out a group of players who, by his own admission, aren’t capable of taking it on. We probably all agree he’s right, but it looks out of step with the modern game and generation of players.

Something like this. If he actually was like Roy and stayed all through his prime and gave us everything these words would carry an awful lot more meaning. This is the same Ronaldo that pretty much pulled Juventus apart when they couldn’t automatically match up to his old Real team and people were pointing the finger at him for not leading them to success. They couldn’t get rid of him fast enough This isn’t the same Ronaldo that was at Real either way. Real wouldn’t have sold him if it was. Only pretenders or clubs without any real clue get involved in these “legacy” projects and attempt package it as progress.

On the other hand it’s pretty clear he’s calling out Rashford Greenwood and Martial more than anyone. You can see himself and Greenwood have zero chemistry. Both overly selfish once they get the ball and do nothing off the ball for each other. Team Rashford is probably writing an article about how it’s such an honour and dream to play with Ronadlo as we speak but couldn’t look any less interested in reality. Standards are fecked. The club is to blame for assembling these players first and foremost. They reinforce the idea that they are world class by the money they pay them in reward for failure. I don’t like him all that much but Ronaldo is right about our young players. We’ve given the keys to a soft and selfish (on the pitch) bunch. If he hadn’t come we might have made second or third again but so what? It’s miles off what we expect at this club and how long more will it be until people realise their favourite players just aren’t up to it. They don’t work hard enough and are only in it for themselves and their brands.

 

[Ogaranya]

He has every right to be angry, he simply can't stomach the concept of average overpaid players messing up on the pitch and refusing to take correction and improve themselves.

There are certain things that a manager should not tell you before you do like chasing after the ball immediately after losing it, passing the ball well under pressure, making yourselves available for pass during build up etc.

He has played with great midfield setups of Scholes and Carrick, Modric and Khedira, Pirlo and Marchisio, so it is no brainer that being stuck with a technically deficient midfield of Mctominay and Fred is giving him migraines.

I will advise him to leave the club in the summer because the rot here is now deep.

 

[Irwin99]

I take two things from that interview.

1. He doesn't rate Rangnick but he's professional enough to sit tight knowing he's only there 6 months.
2. He is the reason for the unsettled dressing room, as too many players are not happy with the elevated standards he demands.

There was a supposed media leak from a member of the squad towards the end of last season or the beginning of this one complaining the team wasn't getting enough credit for how far they'd come in the past two seasons and my reaction was "but you haven't bloody done ANYTHING!!!". In terms of points totals and trophies won we're actually a step back from the dark days of Jose and I get the feeling some of them view the past two seasons as a 'success'. Now they're confronted by a real winner and aren't happy.

 

[carlbcfc]

The ultimate professional footballer.

It’s not Ronaldo who is not putting the effort in. It’s exactly like any striker in the world. They need service. Ronaldo is not getting that service. Forget his age, he is still amongst the best players in the world.

 

[Foxbatt]

You can accuse him of being selfish but he always tries. It is obvious that he has been poor these last few games but he is not going to run like a 20 year old when he is 36. I like that fact he has called out. It gives there guys a kick up their arse.

 

[GreatDane]

You can accuse him of being selfish but he always tries. It is obvious that he has been poor these last few games but he is not going to run like a 20 year old when he is 36. I like that fact he has called out. It gives there guys a kick up their arse.

Even our 20 year olds doesn't run like 20 year olds.

 

[predator]

Something like this. If he actually was like Roy and stayed all through his prime and gave us everything these words would carry an awful lot more meaning. This is the same Ronaldo that pretty much pulled Juventus apart when they couldn’t automatically match up to his old Real team and people were pointing the finger at him for not leading them to success. They couldn’t get rid of him fast enough This isn’t the same Ronaldo that was at Real either way. Real wouldn’t have sold him if it was. Only pretenders or clubs without any real clue get involved in these “legacy” projects and attempt package it as progress.

On the other hand it’s pretty clear he’s calling out Rashford Greenwood and Martial more than anyone. You can see himself and Greenwood have zero chemistry. Both overly selfish once they get the ball and do nothing off the ball for each other. Team Rashford is probably writing an article about how it’s such an honour and dream to play with Ronadlo as we speak but couldn’t look any less interested in reality. Standards are fecked. The club is to blame for assembling these players first and foremost. They reinforce the idea that they are world class by the money they pay them in reward for failure. I don’t like him all that much but Ronaldo is right about our young players. We’ve given the keys to a soft and selfish (on the pitch) bunch. If he hadn’t come we might have made second or third again but so what? It’s miles off what we expect at this club and how long more will it be until people realise their favourite players just aren’t up to it. They don’t work hard enough and are only in it for themselves and their brands.

Ronaldo was born in Madeira and supported Madrid from a young age. He always wanted to play for them and it was no secret. He came over to a England at 18 and stayed for 6 years, winning almost everything for us.

Roy Keane was born in Cork and supported Spurs growing up. He was much more familiar with English football than Ronaldo. He never had any intention of leaving United or did any other big club even attempt to sign him?

I dont understand why some United fans still harp on about Ronaldo being this or that because he didn't sign a life long contract with us. He's a united legend, a genuine contender for the goat and has returned for more than one reason. His opinion is as merited as anyone's.

 

[Lentwood]

This would be all well and good, but two points...

1) Ronaldo is not the captain, not a coach, not the manager. Sure, he can offer advice and guidance to the younger players...but who is to say what Ronaldo says is correct? Doesn't necessarily strike me as a great student of the game. What if Ronaldo's advice to the younger lads is bloody terrible? What if his advice directly contradicts the advice the actual paid coaches are giving the players? Point is, maybe it's not his place to be commenting on what other players should and should not be doing?

2) Would we say Ronaldo is working hard enough? Quite frankly, I think he is conning us at times. I love the bloke, but 80-minutes of half-arsed sprints, followed by some gesturing/shouting and intense running in the last 5/10-minutes doesn't cut it and doesn't fool me. To be honest, I think Ronaldo at 36 is playing for himself. He knows that if he plays at maximum intensity, he's done after 60-minutes. So he manages himself through games. That's not what is required, I'm afraid. We need lads to play with intensity from the beginning and leave the pitch exhausted.

 

[red_de_pologne]

This would be all well and good, but two points...

1) Ronaldo is not the captain, not a coach, not the manager. Sure, he can offer advice and guidance to the younger players...but who is to say what Ronaldo says is correct? Doesn't necessarily strike me as a great student of the game. What if Ronaldo's advice to the younger lads is bloody terrible? What if his advice directly contradicts the advice the actual paid coaches are giving the players? Point is, maybe it's not his place to be commenting on what other players should and should not be doing?

2) Would we say Ronaldo is working hard enough? Quite frankly, I think he is conning us at times. I love the bloke, but 80-minutes of half-arsed sprints, followed by some gesturing/shouting and intense running in the last 5/10-minutes doesn't cut it and doesn't fool me. To be honest, I think Ronaldo at 36 is playing for himself. He knows that if he plays at maximum intensity, he's done after 60-minutes. So he manages himself through games. That's not what is required, I'm afraid. We need lads to play with intensity from the beginning and leave the pitch exhausted.

That's an embarrassing post

 

[Conor]

This would be all well and good, but two points...

1) Ronaldo is not the captain, not a coach, not the manager. Sure, he can offer advice and guidance to the younger players...but who is to say what Ronaldo says is correct? Doesn't necessarily strike me as a great student of the game. What if Ronaldo's advice to the younger lads is bloody terrible? What if his advice directly contradicts the advice the actual paid coaches are giving the players? Point is, maybe it's not his place to be commenting on what other players should and should not be doing?

2) Would we say Ronaldo is working hard enough? Quite frankly, I think he is conning us at times. I love the bloke, but 80-minutes of half-arsed sprints, followed by some gesturing/shouting and intense running in the last 5/10-minutes doesn't cut it and doesn't fool me. To be honest, I think Ronaldo at 36 is playing for himself. He knows that if he plays at maximum intensity, he's done after 60-minutes. So he manages himself through games. That's not what is required, I'm afraid. We need lads to play with intensity from the beginning and leave the pitch exhausted.

Mindboggling.

 

[Freak]

This would be all well and good, but two points...

1) Ronaldo is not the captain, not a coach, not the manager. Sure, he can offer advice and guidance to the younger players...but who is to say what Ronaldo says is correct? Doesn't necessarily strike me as a great student of the game. What if Ronaldo's advice to the younger lads is bloody terrible? What if his advice directly contradicts the advice the actual paid coaches are giving the players? Point is, maybe it's not his place to be commenting on what other players should and should not be doing?

Yeah I mean who cares what one of the best players ever, one who has won top honours in every country he’s played in, says right?

 

[romufc]

This would be all well and good, but two points...

1) Ronaldo is not the captain, not a coach, not the manager. Sure, he can offer advice and guidance to the younger players...but who is to say what Ronaldo says is correct? Doesn't necessarily strike me as a great student of the game. What if Ronaldo's advice to the younger lads is bloody terrible? What if his advice directly contradicts the advice the actual paid coaches are giving the players? Point is, maybe it's not his place to be commenting on what other players should and should not be doing?

2) Would we say Ronaldo is working hard enough? Quite frankly, I think he is conning us at times. I love the bloke, but 80-minutes of half-arsed sprints, followed by some gesturing/shouting and intense running in the last 5/10-minutes doesn't cut it and doesn't fool me. To be honest, I think Ronaldo at 36 is playing for himself. He knows that if he plays at maximum intensity, he's done after 60-minutes. So he manages himself through games. That's not what is required, I'm afraid. We need lads to play with intensity from the beginning and leave the pitch exhausted.

So you have to be the Captain, coach or manager to offer advice? Just because he isn't Manutd captain, means he isnt a leader or has no experience? He is Portugal captain btw.

He isnt a student of the game? What makes a student of the game? Let me put a scenario to you...

There was an 18 year old winger who was a trickster, no end product, he then started scoring goals from the wing, 30+ goals a season from the age of 22 to 36. He went from a winger with pace to a forward who was a poacher, making runs. Adapting his style to suit his body and the rest, not a student of the game?

Ronaldo is a forward, he started as a winger, kind of like Rashford, which is why he can give advice. Also, if you read / listen what he said, the reason why he thought experienced players are right is because they have had more bad moments in their career.

He has scored in countless knockout ties, finals and won countless titles. Yep, he will give bad advice.

 

[big rons sovereign]

Did he really say that? WOW

Pretty much what howson said last week, only slightly more polite.

 

[Ali Dia]

This would be all well and good, but two points...

1) Ronaldo is not the captain, not a coach, not the manager. Sure, he can offer advice and guidance to the younger players...but who is to say what Ronaldo says is correct? Doesn't necessarily strike me as a great student of the game. What if Ronaldo's advice to the younger lads is bloody terrible? What if his advice directly contradicts the advice the actual paid coaches are giving the players? Point is, maybe it's not his place to be commenting on what other players should and should not be doing?

2) Would we say Ronaldo is working hard enough? Quite frankly, I think he is conning us at times. I love the bloke, but 80-minutes of half-arsed sprints, followed by some gesturing/shouting and intense running in the last 5/10-minutes doesn't cut it and doesn't fool me. To be honest, I think Ronaldo at 36 is playing for himself. He knows that if he plays at maximum intensity, he's done after 60-minutes. So he manages himself through games. That's not what is required, I'm afraid. We need lads to play with intensity from the beginning and leave the pitch exhausted.

this is the only part of that post I fully agree with. Ronaldo as I said isn’t my cup of tea but he’s as professional as they come. He knows how much work a team needs to put in to win and we are way off it. Someone has to say it

This is what’s wrong with the team and has been for years. I said it last season if Pogba played with Fred’s intensity or Rashford with Dan James we’d genuinely be going places. The major issue has always been intensity work rate and desire. Our players would rather look cool than work hard. Always making an option for your team mate and tracking back to dig him out. Not losing the ball and maybe strolling back or half heartedly trying to get on the end of something. Zero press or desire from the front apart from Cavani

I also said Ronaldo coming here seeing that and getting frustrated at everyone probably doesn’t really help any of this. It’ll tear the team apart further more than likely. Now that it’s happening I’m really glad he’s calling people out, they surely deserve it but just like under the various managers the players will do the whole “we have to do better” thing in the press but behind the scenes stay the same and attempt to keep their heads down until he eventually shuts up and rows in or he goes. There’s always a chance we will give them new deals in the meantime anyway… it’s up to the club to find harder working but equally skilful players much more in line with the demands of the modern game. We are going to tread water and waste eye watering amounts of money on nothing until we do so.

 

[greendevil]

Excellent interview and subtly digging out characters who need to change their ways in the squad to get us where we want to be. Nothing negative at all in that interview and if certain players within the squad have a problem with it well then they are the problem. For too long now average players have been lauded as good and those that are good or with serious potential slacking, this hopefully puts the spotlight on them to buck up their ways otherwise should be offloaded in the summer.

 

[Lentwood]

Christ @red_de_pologne, @romufc @Conor @Freak you know United existed before Ronaldo and will exist after Ronaldo? Did any of you even read my post?

I suggest that maybe our CF should just concentrate on playing football and I have 5 responses in 30 seconds. Every response seems to be along the lines of "well, Ronaldo is good at football, so of course they should listen to him". Without me having to spell it out for you, what do you think the obvious problem with this logic is?

 

[BusbyMalone]

"This new coach"

The disrespect. Can't even say his name. Ronaldo HATES Rangnick, confirmed!

 

[Grande]

If you can't or won't listen to one of the best players to ever grace the game, then there's no hope for you. The sad thing is we all know which players he's referring to.

He is very right though.

The weak mentality of a lot of our younger players is shocking compared to the past.

Martial, linguard, especially stand out and now Rashford is seemingly going the same way.

A few others, have also shown off and on similar traits, so its nit a random thing, it's something embeded into the club that needs to be fixed.

Whoever these players with weak mentalities are, get them the feck out of this club or banish them to the reserves. Get the youngsters in. They may not have the quality, but I bet you they will show more heart and desire. I know that alone is not good enough for a club like us, but its a damn good start!

Yeah, great words and he’s probably right. But off you pop in the summer if we want to properly progress too please, Crissy.

Maguire is probably one of the wimps he's talking about.

When he says he knows the way but can't say it due to ethical reasons, he obviously means Glazers Out

I have been saying for a long time we need to be less sentimental with the players, even if they come through the academy. However, fans big them up to no end and then they start feeling like they have made it here without doing anything of note in terms of success. I might not be behind the Ronaldo train but anyone in our squad not taking advice from him is stupid. Watch us give Rashford a new contract in the summer. Greenwood needs to stop being such primadona as well, the effort on the pitch from these guys is terrible. Their workrate is on par with old fecker like Ronaldo, shameless.

He uses the word dignity in this interview and it really hit home.

This squad lacks dignity, it lacks integrity and it really is the weakest squad from a mental point of view that's been assembled in the PL era (obviously).

As much as none of this really is Ronaldo's fault, I get the feeling the weak minds are genuinely intimidated by him. His fellow forwards and his captain in particular for me.

Great interview - but serves no purpose for me. I'm sure the players he referring to indirectly are sat on their phone watching and simply thinking 'feck this guy, I'm great'.

Second time I've heard him say that about the youngsters.

In a previous interview he went as far as saying he tells players and they listen but then go away and don't implement or change.

I think the criticism we have see of him, including walking down the tunnel after games, is his frustration. Personally think we should back him instead of criticising him. His means and style may be wrong but his dedication shouldn't be doubted.

To build up something you have to destroy some things. Bang on

Not everyone has the confidence and experience to say things as they are, CR has and I wonder if some of the nonsense around likes of Pogba was the same frustration manifested in the wrong way?

It's Greenwood, I bet he can't stand him.

The most alarming thing about this interview is most of what he talks about is clearly the fruits or spoils of Ole's tenure. Its obvious Ole cultivated a weak mindset and lowered standards and expectations well below the level of the club.

We have many threads about certain players not being up for it but reading between the lines from Ronaldo its a pervasive issue and is spread across the club for the most part.

"we changed from Ole, to Carrick, to.. this... this new coach"

Ouch

When did the mentality change then?

Maybe when Moyes came in, alienated players like Rio and co. Who then kicked up a fuss (justifiably), with this rubbing off on the younger squad players at the time?

About the time Martial launched his own label and had his number taken away from him. Around the time Pogba came back also.

Funny, that Lingard also launched his own label about a year later, same time his "media GF" dumped him.

Mourinho's own mentality was a big problem. Seeing your manager capitulate and melt down publically every time he gets outcoached couldn't have possibly been helpful.

]

I get his point, but who on Earth are the 'young players' he's referring to? If anything, I'd say our biggest issues are centre back (no youth), right back (AWB isn't that young) and central midfield (no youth).

The areas we're weakest have 'prime age' players. Now, they're clearly not good enough either, but maybe everyone under 30 is now young to Ronnie.

His standards in training have to serve as motivation, surely, regardless of age. I always loved Rio's story about the rondos at United, adn wonder why all that toughness isn't still happening.

I don’t know for sure but I’d guess Rashford, Greenwood and Sancho.,

Maguire, Shaw, AWB, Rashford, Greenwood, Martial, Lingard I believe are the main culplrits in his eyes. McTominay couldn't even take criticism from Rangnick so he could well be another one.

Yes but Pep's multimillionaires are still playing as if they are not multimillionaires. It depends on the club's mentality. If Woody had sold Pogba when he picked a fight with Jose none of this would have happened. Backing the player over the manager is what bought this disaster.

I guess everybody probably don’t really know who he’s talking about.

For me, what he says very explicitly, is that:

1. This squad, with this coach, are capable to achieve success and win things.
2. The most important factor to that is the mentality of all the players (not the coach, the system, the club, new players etc).
3. That mentality should be to think positively about themselves
4. To be proud of themselves
5. To believe in their ability to improve and succeed
6. To do everything for each other and the team
7. To welcome criticism as an opportunity to improve, himself included

To me that sounds like he’s advocating confident humility, optimistic loyality, and supportive criticism.

People going off on lazy or spoilt players, useless squad, don’t support the coach or leadership must be listening very selectively.

 

[TheRedDevil2019]

None of the younger ones have that United DNA so revered from the class of 92 and previous generations.

No pride in the shirt, no fight, no desire, just nothing.

Ronaldo is absolutely right when he says the mentality needs to change. At this point I wouldn't be against the sales of Rashford, Maguire and others if it improves the mentality all round.

Maguire clearly shouldn't be the captain. Ronaldo has shown more passion and love for the club in his 6months here, trying to rally those at the club, then what Maguire has in 3 years.

 

[Ananke]

Did he really say that? WOW

It's bloody true though. Rather than get their heads down and work hard on their football/ignore the media, it's all "moan moan moan" these days.

Does my head in.

 

[OT_United]

He is just elite. No one will ever match his mentality Oh, and should be captain without a doubt.

 

[romufc]

Christ @red_de_pologne, @romufc @Conor @Freak you know United existed before Ronaldo and will exist after Ronaldo? Did any of you even read my post?

I suggest that maybe our CF should just concentrate on playing football and I have 5 responses in 30 seconds. Every response seems to be along the lines of "well, Ronaldo is good at football, so of course they should listen to him". Without me having to spell it out for you, what do you think the obvious problem with this logic is?

I dont get it, I don't think anyone is saying Ronaldo should be manager or something? yes I read your post, you are questioning his advice to youngsters.

In the interview, he said, when I was 18 experienced players used to come talk to me and I took it as, I need to improve my game.

Also, I didn't say he is good at football that is why they should listen to him, the reasons are as follows:

1. He has scored 30+ goals for 10 years in a row. That is not just good.
2. He has been at United when we were successful and has seen a drop in standards, he wants to raise them.
3. He doesn't like players and others aiming low, he wants to aim to win trophies
4. He knows what it takes to reach the top and stay there
5. He knows how to win stuff

What other player at our club has won what he has? Ofcourse he will use his experience and give advice to the younger players. No one is saying that is ALL he should do.

If also, you read / watch his interview, he actually says it starts from him, he needs to do better, he could run more. So he isn't pointing fingers.

 

[Foxbatt]

Christ @red_de_pologne, @romufc @Conor @Freak you know United existed before Ronaldo and will exist after Ronaldo? Did any of you even read my post?

I suggest that maybe our CF should just concentrate on playing football and I have 5 responses in 30 seconds. Every response seems to be along the lines of "well, Ronaldo is good at football, so of course they should listen to him". Without me having to spell it out for you, what do you think the obvious problem with this logic is?

No it is not. It is not what most are saying either. He came to United to start his career under the best manager we ever had. He played here for 6 years and won everything he has to win under SAF. He then went to RM and won everything he had to win there. He is not telling them about how to play in tactics etc. He is telling them what it took him to be that player he was/is. The hard work and mental and physical effort. He is advising them what he got from playing for Manchester United for 6 years and then RM. One of the two biggest clubs in the World. RM probably the most successful club in then world.

 

[Tom Cato]

This would be all well and good, but two points...

1) Ronaldo is not the captain, not a coach, not the manager. Sure, he can offer advice and guidance to the younger players...but who is to say what Ronaldo says is correct? Doesn't necessarily strike me as a great student of the game. What if Ronaldo's advice to the younger lads is bloody terrible? What if his advice directly contradicts the advice the actual paid coaches are giving the players? Point is, maybe it's not his place to be commenting on what other players should and should not be doing?

2) Would we say Ronaldo is working hard enough? Quite frankly, I think he is conning us at times. I love the bloke, but 80-minutes of half-arsed sprints, followed by some gesturing/shouting and intense running in the last 5/10-minutes doesn't cut it and doesn't fool me. To be honest, I think Ronaldo at 36 is playing for himself. He knows that if he plays at maximum intensity, he's done after 60-minutes. So he manages himself through games. That's not what is required, I'm afraid. We need lads to play with intensity from the beginning and leave the pitch exhausted.

1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballon_d'Or

Wins by player
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Lionel Messi won a combined 12 out of 13 times from 2008 to 2021.
Michel Platini won three years running (1983–85).
Johan Cruyff (left) and Marco van Basten, both of the Netherlands, each won three times.
Note: One-time winners are only included if they have also finished second or third in another year.

Player	Winner	Second place	Third place
Lionel Messi[note 32]​	7 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021)	5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)	1 (2007)
Cristiano Ronaldo[note 33]​	5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)	6 (2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2018)	1 (2019)

How in any semblance of reality is Cristiano Ronaldo not a student of the game he's literally the best in the world at. It's not like he's over there telling Harry Maguire how to defend is it? He's adressing the mentality and state of mind of his teammates and with an array of individual awards large enough to fill up a normal sized house you'd forgive him for assuming he knows what he's talking about.

He's not the captain of Manchester United, but he is the captain of Portgular, 126 matches and counting, including the 2016 European Championship victory. For all intents and purposes, who knows who's actually captain in spirit at the club now, because it doesnt appear as if Harry Maguire is it.

2) He knows that if he plays at maximum intensity, he's done after 60-minutes. So he manages himself through games. - See here you and I agree, he does pace himself. He's a striker, not a sweeper. If he plays for 90 minutes, that is all on Ragnick that lets him be out there for 90 minutes if the tactic is intense pressure for 90+ minutes. That being said, everyone paces themselves, unless you're Eliud Kipchoge you're not going to be able to keep up any type of intense pressure for a pronlonged time regardless of fitness levels, no one does that. What separates great teams form tired teams is their ability to both press at ball loss, and being able to keep the ball in the team, removing the need to sprint like a madman at every opportunity. The more you lose the ball, the more fatigued you are going to become.

Ronaldo pacing himself is not only very smart of Ronaldo, but it really should be more than enough considering he is a striker. If we managed to keep the ball in the team, we could actullve provide service to him instead of running like chickens and trying to do random acitivities.

As for your last point: No one on any team gives max intensity for 90 minutes. They'd have to be subbed off at 45 minutes with legcramps and spend a week in recovery.

 

[devilish]

Probably be crying & calling their agents for a move to Italy, Spain, Paris or a holiday to Dubai

Most will be lucky if they are accepted back to clubs like Leicester or Crystal Palace

 

[FattyFooty]

Its insane to think about the last time we won the CL Ronaldo was here.

Really wish our players start listening.

the more i see the Greenwood~Rashford incident, its getting clear to see how far away we are from beeing a top side.

 

[Lentwood]

I dont get it, I don't think anyone is saying Ronaldo should be manager or something? yes I read your post, you are questioning his advice to youngsters.

In the interview, he said, when I was 18 experienced players used to come talk to me and I took it as, I need to improve my game.

Also, I didn't say he is good at football that is why they should listen to him, the reasons are as follows:

1. He has scored 30+ goals for 10 years in a row. That is not just good.
2. He has been at United when we were successful and has seen a drop in standards, he wants to raise them.
3. He doesn't like players and others aiming low, he wants to aim to win trophies
4. He knows what it takes to reach the top and stay there
5. He knows how to win stuff

What other player at our club has won what he has? Ofcourse he will use his experience and give advice to the younger players. No one is saying that is ALL he should do.

If also, you read / watch his interview, he actually says it starts from him, he needs to do better, he could run more. So he isn't pointing fingers.

I'm not questioning his advice to youngsters necessarily, I actually say of course he's free to give advice. That's fine, it's a natural part of being a senior player.

My issue boils down to this, really. Ronaldo hasn't played especially well this year. Yes there have been some big goals, yes there have been some good moments. Yes it's great to have a club legend back at OT, like many people I rushed out and bought a 'Ronaldo 7' shirt on August 27th because I got giddy. However, overall there have been some very iffy performances. Not just work-rate, but some genuinely poor games, where his touch was off, hold-up play was bad and/or he was generally invisible.

My point is, it's crazy the assumptions posters, with absolutely no knowledge of the inner workings of the club make about our players. Maguire? Lazy waster with a weak mentality. Shaw, lazy waster with a weak mentality. Rashford, distracted by off the field issues. I could go on, but I won't, because you get the gist.

Now, we didn't have any problems at the club last season. We might not always have played sparkling football, but we won a good number of games, finished 2nd and the team spirit or the attitude was never in question.

Ronaldo turns up, plays some good football, some bad football, works relatively hard on the pitch (but not as hard as some players) and suddenly everything he says is gospel and we're hanging on to his every word.

What would be more helpful, I believe, would be rather than go about giving interviews giving your opinion or posting on social media every 5-minutes, just go and get on with playing the best football you can play. Lead by example on the pitch. Run harder, close down faster.

I see Cavani, for example, saying nothing but trying to lead by example on the pitch, as a senior player. Just get on with it please now, and let RR and his coaching team work.

 

[romufc]

I'm not questioning his advice to youngsters necessarily, I actually say of course he's free to give advice. That's fine, it's a natural part of being a senior player.

My issue boils down to this, really. Ronaldo hasn't played especially well this year. Yes there have been some big goals, yes there have been some good moments. Yes it's great to have a club legend back at OT, like many people I rushed out and bought a 'Ronaldo 7' shirt on August 27th because I got giddy. However, overall there have been some very iffy performances. Not just work-rate, but some genuinely poor games, where his touch was off, hold-up play was bad and/or he was generally invisible.

My point is, it's crazy the assumptions posters, with absolutely no knowledge of the inner workings of the club make about our players. Maguire? Lazy waster with a weak mentality. Shaw, lazy waster with a weak mentality. Rashford, distracted by off the field issues. I could go on, but I won't, because you get the gist.

Now, we didn't have any problems at the club last season. We might not always have played sparkling football, but we won a good number of games, finished 2nd and the team spirit or the attitude was never in question.

Ronaldo turns up, plays some good football, some bad football, works relatively hard on the pitch (but not as hard as some players) and suddenly everything he says is gospel and we're hanging on to his every word.

What would be more helpful, I believe, would be rather than go about giving interviews giving your opinion or posting on social media every 5-minutes, just go and get on with playing the best football you can play. Lead by example on the pitch. Run harder, close down faster.

I see Cavani, for example, saying nothing but trying to lead by example on the pitch, as a senior player. Just get on with it please now, and let RR and his coaching team work.

Yes you are.

but who is to say what Ronaldo says is correct? Doesn't necessarily strike me as a great student of the game. What if Ronaldo's advice to the younger lads is bloody terrible? What if his advice directly contradicts the advice the actual paid coaches are giving the players?

There is a difference between advice and his performances.

So its fine for you to make up assumptions about Ronaldo based on performances but we can't make assumptions on Shaw, Maguire, Rashford based on their performances.

I mean Maguire, Shaw, Rashford have probably been worse than Ronaldo this season, with Ronaldo there is evidence of his mentality from what he has won, what evidence do any of the other 3 give that they are mentally strong?

I mean Shaw was out saying he needs motivation? You're 7th in the table, a home game and you can't motivate yourself for a game shows how mentally strong he is.

I agree, Ronaldo has been poor and he can play with intensity. Also, lead by example? Ronaldo has done that, look at the goals he has scored for us already, big pressure games at Atalanta, Villareal, Spurs. Who got us wins there? who scored when a chance fell?

Who had intensity when the ball was won by Fred? compare that to Rashford intensity when Martinez parried.

 

[El Presidente]

Christ @red_de_pologne, @romufc @Conor @Freak you know United existed before Ronaldo and will exist after Ronaldo? Did any of you even read my post?

I suggest that maybe our CF should just concentrate on playing football and I have 5 responses in 30 seconds. Every response seems to be along the lines of "well, Ronaldo is good at football, so of course they should listen to him". Without me having to spell it out for you, what do you think the obvious problem with this logic is?

Maybe when a x5 Ballon D’or winner enters a dressing room full of entitled serial underperformers who haven’t won anything of note and says he isn’t happy with your mentality you feckin listen. Just maybe.

 

[Bilbo]

It doesn't really matter that much who the message is coming from. It matters that the message is received and the penny drops, and the more people are talking about it the better chance there is of that happening.

This isn't a new message either. We've had Ronaldo now delivering it. Luke Shaw before him. Most every Rangnick interview has been about the need for increased workrate and attitude, and for months before him Ole was also delivering that same message.

Ultimately the remainder of this season should be an audition for all of our players. We have no idea who exactly this is referring to but the worst culprits should be sold in the summer, however talented they may be, if this culture does not improve.

 

[Sassy Colin]

Christ @red_de_pologne, @romufc @Conor @Freak you know United existed before Ronaldo and will exist after Ronaldo? Did any of you even read my post?

I suggest that maybe our CF should just concentrate on playing football and I have 5 responses in 30 seconds. Every response seems to be along the lines of "well, Ronaldo is good at football, so of course they should listen to him". Without me having to spell it out for you, what do you think the obvious problem with this logic is?

I also thought your post was a bit silly

 

[kouroux]

The probability of Ronaldo giving them bad/stupid advices, in total contradiction with the manager's plans is very very very low. Even so low that it is fecking crazy to even consider it Besides whatever they've been doing by not listening, it clearly hasn't worked out

 

[TrueRed79]

Too many overpaid, pampered little shits in our squad. Been saying it for ages now. It's a societal issue as well. Yes you will get pampered players in every team, and players sensitive to criticism, but we seem to have a truckload of them right now.

 

[roonster09]

I actually don't care who blames who, but why do they have to spoil a new thread with the same nonsense?

Just discuss what he said, not Messi or pressing stats. That nonsense has already spoiled tens of threads. most likely with the same posters saying the exact same thing.

Exactly. This Messi vs Ronaldo clown show should stick to that shit thread.

 

[Lentwood]

There is a difference between advice and his performances.

So its fine for you to make up assumptions about Ronaldo based on performances but we can't make assumptions on Shaw, Maguire, Rashford based on their performances.

I mean Maguire, Shaw, Rashford have probably been worse than Ronaldo this season, with Ronaldo there is evidence of his mentality from what he has won, what evidence do any of the other 3 give that they are mentally strong?

I mean Shaw was out saying he needs motivation? You're 7th in the table, a home game and you can't motivate yourself for a game shows how mentally strong he is.

I agree, Ronaldo has been poor and he can play with intensity. Also, lead by example? Ronaldo has done that, look at the goals he has scored for us already, big pressure games at Atalanta, Villareal, Spurs. Who got us wins there? who scored when a chance fell?

Who had intensity when the ball was won by Fred? compare that to Rashford intensity when Martinez parried.

Interesting that Gary Neville, an ex-teammate and big champion of Ronaldo, called Ronaldo a 'whingebag'. Interesting that Neville didn't call out Maguire, Shaw, AWB etc...for being 'whingebags'?

We can go back and forwards on this all day. My point boils down simply to the fact that if you're in a s**t situation, you're not playing well and the team are not playing well, the right thing to do, in my opinion, is knuckle down and focus on leading by example.

I don't want to hear any more words on Twitter or in the press. Next game, I want to see Ronaldo and whoever else plays in the front four charging at opponents from the very first minute, like starving wolves chasing a meal. That's leading by example, that's how you help your teammates. When I see that from Ronaldo, I'll feel much more comfortable with the criticism of the lads who came 2nd last year without him.

 

[Thelongsleevesofblomqvist]

I´m sure Ronaldo is giving good advice in emphizising what is necessary to be a top player, but he can only talk from the viewpoint of his own involvement in the club. Buying him back was a huge misstake. Not because Ronaldo is not a good player anymore (he is) but because it was not in line with any type of squad planning or sport managment strategy. It unsettled the squad, got Ole sacked (in the middle of the season instead of what would probably have happened in a calm way in the end of it instead) and blocked any type av progessive development of what is still a project trying to get closer to the top 3.

You´ve seen it for years with Zlatan for Sweden and some of his teams. It is not his fault being better than the rest, but the unbalance is never solved (if not by very good coaching - and then only to a certian level). He could greatly benefit a project like Milans - especially now when he is slowly stepping out of the role as the main player at the pitch but it´s only effective to a certain level. At the very top, which is what United is at least trying to measure itself with and challenge its not enough with a ageing superstar raising the level. It was the same with Juventus and buying Ronaldo as part of their CL challenge. Look where they are now (compared to before).

Ronaldo is probably right about the younger players, its been years now without anyone being able to put proper demands on the ones coming through. Pogba is protected by the board and that gave any legit authority away from anyone etc. But Ronaldo is part of the problem as not being the way forward to build a top team. That he cannot do anything about himself, but makes his call outs kind of leading nowhere.

Even more saddening is that Rangnick is doing the same - showing the lacks and gaps in the attitude and quality of the squad, but apparently from a different angel than Ronaldo. I doubt Poch is strong enought to do anything about it either. Conte would have been, but a shift to him would have shown again that United have no coherent strategy and would in that sense made a lot of things status quo again (we talk about the coach that built a title winning team with Lukaku, Sanchez and Young).

Its as we know really hard to see where the club goes from here. Its a commercial empty shell and trying to breath some authencity into the bubble obviously hasnt helped. Abramovich and City owners build for glory and global goodwill, Glazers and United (or its players) have no such incitaments and this will probably not change over time.

The players that is not here for the glamour is here because they are not good enough for a real top team.

 

[Red the Bear]

Why is everyone over reacting over here, this is one of the most professional interviews to come out of the players in these last few months.

He is spot on and has said it as polite and consumate as possible.

 

[sugar_kane]

Some fairly sensational quotes about the younger players there, I don't disagree with what he said but I'm not sure the club will be best pleased as they prefer to maintain a veneer of everything being rosy behind the scenes.

He states he's not specifically referring to United players, but I'm sure that's not really the case. You'd have to almost certainly imagine this it's Greenwood he's referring to.

 

[Wolf1992]

Throwing young players under the bus, in a public interview, isn't gonna help the team tbh.

I'm sure many of those young players will turn on him now, and perform worse.

 

[stoinz]

]





I guess everybody probably don’t really know who he’s talking about.

For me, what he says very explicitly, is that:

1. This squad, with this coach, are capable to achieve success and win things.
2. The most important factor to that is the mentality of all the players (not the coach, the system, the club, new players etc).
3. That mentality should be to think positively about themselves
4. To be proud of themselves
5. To believe in their ability to improve and succeed
6. To do everything for each other and the team
7. To welcome criticism as an opportunity to improve, himself included

To me that sounds like he’s advocating confident humility, optimistic loyality, and supportive criticism.

People going off on lazy or spoilt players, useless squad, don’t support the coach or leadership must be listening very selectively.

Totally agree with you but unfortunately nobody gonna pay attention once their minds are set.