Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted publicly for the first time after Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag and appointed Ruben Amorim as his successor. The Portuguese icon’s compatriot started work at Carrington on Monday and wowed supporters in his first interview as boss yesterday (Friday).
Ronaldo walked away from Old Trafford in November 2022 after an explosive row with Ten Hag, which he intensified through a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan while still a squad member.
The 39-year-old striker blasted Ten Hag and other figures at the club, claiming he felt “betrayed” by efforts to force him out and insisting he didn’t “respect” the Dutchman.
Upon his second United exit, Ronaldo wished the club and supporters well before completing a move to Al-Nassr, starting the high-profile football boom in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo has scored 68 goals in 79 appearances for Al-Nassr, and he notched his 134th and 135th Portugal strikes after earning his 215th cap against Poland last night.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s second goal was a spectacular bicycle kick, reminding the masses why he remains one of the world’s most potent attackers with his 40s on the horizon.
After full-time, he was questioned about Amorim’s United arrival, and Ronaldo sent his former international team-mate and ex-club further well wishes.
“I wish him [Amorim] all the luck in the world, that’s what Manchester needs,” Ronaldo told reporters.
Excitement and anticipation are building for Amorim’s maiden match as United head coach, a Premier League trip to Ipswich Town on November 24.
The descent onto Portman Road may prove tricky, with Kieran McKenna’s side set to be riding the high of their first win since returning to the top flight at Tottenham.
But Amorim has promised supporters that they will see a clear idea from day one, which was missing for most of Ten Hag’s rule.
“I think you will see an idea. You could like it or not, I don’t know, but you will see an idea,” the 39-year-old told MUTV.
“You will see a positioning. You will see something that we want to reach that kind of level. You will feel that.
“We have to know that it’s like two trainings before the first match. This is the best league in the world. But if I have to say something to you, [it’s that] you will see an idea. This I can guarantee.”
Amorim added: “The most important thing for me, at this moment, is to create the principles, the identity and the character that we had in the past.”
