“I hope he’s being ironic” - Ex-Liverpool star accuses Cristiano Ronaldo of making Manchester United 'galactic nonsense' club with his return
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for his recent comments on Manchester United. The Portuguese superstar made a name for himself at Old Trafford before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009.
Ronaldo returned for a second spell in 2021 but left the Premier League giants under unceremonious circumstances in December 2022. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner had a fallout with United manager Erik ten Hag and had his contract mutually terminated following a controversial interview.
The 39-year-old moved to Saudi side Al Nassr and currently plies his trade in the Middle East. In a recent interview, Ronaldo said Manchester United have to rebuild completely if they are to return to former glory.
In his column for Caught Offside, Collymore insisted the Portuguese ace's return to Old Trafford turned Manchester United into a club of 'galactic nonsense.'
“I agree with Cristiano Ronaldo when he says everything needs to be rebuilt at Manchester United. I hope he’s being ironic though — because his return for a second spell at Old Trafford to many was proof the club had lost its marbles. United, with Ronaldo there for a second time, became a club of headlines, headline makers and galactic nonsense rather than being a serious football club," wrote Collymore.
“The truth is that a Manchester United in its groove, competing for the biggest honours and having recruitment, management and its finances in order wouldn’t have caved into the 'will he, won’t he go to City?' saga which saw United desperate to not be left behind in Manchester, never mind England," he continued.
Collymore admitted Ten Hag is on borrowed time, but felt Cristiano Ronaldo's comments highlight the challenges the Dutchman has faced at Old Trafford.
“In my opinion, Erik Ten Hag is a dead man walking but Ronaldo’s comments should only serve to remind United fans of the circus that the Dutchman came into rather than any pile-on comments the mercurial Portuguese now makes,” wrote Collymore.
United have started the season with two losses in their opening three league games, including losing to bitter rivals Liverpool.
Was Cristiano Ronaldo the problem at Manchester United?
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 24 goals and set up three more from 38 games across competitions in the 2021-22 season. However, Manchester United ended the campaign without silverware.
Erik ten Hag was roped in the following summer and it was soon evident that the Dutchman wanted to take the club in a different direction. The Portuguese registered three goals and two assists from 16 games in all competitions under Ten Hag before leaving Old Trafford.
Interestingly, the Red Devils won the EPL Cup later that campaign. Last season, the English giants lifted the FA Cup but failed to impress in the Premier League, finishing eighth.