Ronaldo Supports Amorim Amidst Manchester United's Challenges as the Storm Passes
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New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) Cristiano Ronaldo, who received the Best Middle East Player of 2024 title at the Globe Soccer awards, addressed the difficulties his former team Manchester United is encountering, insisting that the core issues run deeper than just the coaching staff.
"The Premier League is the most challenging league globally. All the teams are competitive, and every match is a battle. The dynamics of football have evolved; there are no straightforward games anymore."
"I mentioned this a year and a half ago, and I maintain that the coaches are not the primary issue. It's akin to an aquarium; if you have a sick fish and you remove it to treat it, but then return it to the same tank, it will fall ill again."
"If I were the club's owner, I would clearly outline my concerns and rectify what I believe is wrong within the organization," Ronaldo stated at the event.
Manchester United suffered a 0-2 defeat to the Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day and has faced significant challenges throughout the season. Currently, they find themselves in 14th place on the Premier League table ahead of their upcoming clash against Newcastle United on Tuesday.
Since the appointment of Amorim, who took over from Erik Ten Hag, the team has only managed to secure two victories in seven league matches and will need to regain their form as they have crossed the midway point of the season with 18 games played.
“He (Amorim) performed exceptionally well in Portugal with my (former club) Sporting, but the Premier League is a different challenge, being the most competitive league in the world. I anticipated that it would be a struggle, and the team will weather the storm. But the storm will pass, and the sun will shine again,” he added.
The Portuguese forward also expressed his belief that the 2024 Men’s Ballon d'Or award should have been awarded to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr rather than Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
"In my view, he [Vinícius] deserved to receive the golden ball [Ballon d'Or award]," Ronaldo remarked. "It was unjust, in my opinion. I state this openly. Rodri deserved the recognition as well, but Vinícius should have been honored, considering he won the Champions League and scored in the final," he stated.
Vinicius played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s triumphs in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League during the 2023-24 season, netting 21 goals and providing 11 assists across both competitions, thus establishing a new standard in European football.
