It was exactly a year ago today that Manchester United were in all sorts of drama – with Cristiano Ronaldo at the epicentre of it all.
It was the 16th of November 2022 when Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the world with part one of an explosive two-part interview with Piers Morgan which discussed just about everything to do with Manchester United.
The first-team squad, the manager, the coaching staff, the academy, the training ground and so much more were on the agenda – with the legendary forward making some bold claims.
So now, we look back at some of these claims and whether they’ve now come to light 365 days later. All quotes were sourced from the Piers Morgan Uncensored YouTube channel.
Erik ten Hag had it in for just Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo was asked about whether Erik ten Hag had it in for him at Manchester United.
What Ronaldo said:
“He doesn’t respect the way I should deserve, but it is what it is. This is why probably, the game against Tottenham, I left.
“He [Ten Hag] always mentioned to me that I didn’t need a pre-season and I should wait for my opportunity. I say OK, I understand. He doesn’t do the same for every player, I won’t mention players, but they don’t do it the same way.
Verdict:
This one is FALSE.
As recent times have evidently shown, Ten Hag has made sure no player believes they’re bigger than the club.
The Jadon Sancho fiasco is a prime example of this, with the Dutchman completely exiling him from the frame at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford was also dropped when he was in the form of his life last season for being all but 45 seconds late.
Ten Hag did not have it in for Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward just believed he didn’t deserve to be dropped solely based on his name.
Ronaldo tips Diogo Dalot as Manchester United success
Ronaldo was asked about who he tips for success in the current squad at Manchester United.
What Ronaldo said:
“I only can say what I see from my eyes. In Manchester United, I can mention Dalot. An example he is young and very professional.
“I have no doubt he will have longevity in football. He’s young, smart, intelligent and he’s very professional.”
Verdict:
This one is INCONCLUSIVE.
Diogo Dalot has shown clear signs of being a great player for Manchester United, but as of late, he’s come under mountains of scrutiny for some of his performances.
To pick out the Portuguese full-back over a vast sea of talent seemed a little biased from Ronaldo, and a year on we can probably say this claim was made based on friendship as opposed to natural footballing ability.
Dalot still has time to turn it around, but he definitely isn’t up there with United’s best current players.
Cristiano Ronaldo on Arsenal winning the Premier League
Ronaldo was asked who he would like the win the Premier League, or who had a good chance.
What Ronaldo said:
“Manchester [United] first, and if not, Arsenal is some team that I like to see play. I like the team. I like the coach. They have a good team.
“And if Manchester United don’t win the Premier League, I will be happy if Arsenal do.”
Verdict:
This one DIDN’T HAPPEN.
As we know, it was in fact Manchester City who won the Premier League… along with the Champions League and FA Cup to match Manchester United’s infamous 1999 season.
Ronaldo was probably saying he fancied Arsenal if United weren’t to win due to that being Piers’ favourite team. Nevertheless, didn’t happen, although they also have a good chance this season.
Ronaldo on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being a good future coach
Ronaldo was asked his thoughts on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
What Ronaldo said:
“I love Solskjaer. I think he was a top person because what I keep inside my heart, it’s the heart of the person. And Ole for me, is a top person.
“It’s hard. It’s hard to assume [the role] after Sir Alex Ferguson, but I think he did a good job for sure.
“You need much more time. But I never doubt that [he is] going to be a good coach in the future. But it was a good experience. I was so pleased to work with him even for a short period.”
Verdict:
This one is INCONCLUSIVE.
Since departing Manchester United, Solskjaer is still yet to find another role as a football manager.
The Norwegian has taken some much-needed time out, but will likely return to management one day.
One thing that has come to light is that Solskjaer is a lot more respected as a coach by United fans now. They realised he worked miracles with some of the players and was a fantastic man manager.
Ronaldo was right in the fact that Solskjaer does have the fundamental qualities to be a good coach – albeit not of Manchester United.
Ronaldo on whether Manchester United will progress as a club
Ronaldo was asked whether he thinks United have the ability to progress as a club.
What Ronaldo said:
“Manchester right now to compare with that club, I think it’s behind in my opinion, which is something that surprised me.
“A club with this dimension should be at the top of the tree in my opinion and they are not, unfortunately. They are not at that level. But I hope in the next years they can reach to be in the top level.
“I don’t know what’s going on but since Sir Alex Ferguson left I saw no evolution in the club, the progress was zero.”
Verdict:
NOTHING HAS CHANGED.
Ronaldo knew what he was getting in for when he rejoined the Red Devils. Anyone who kept an eye on the club would know it has changed drastically, not for the better, since Ferguson’s retirement.
He was naive to believe things were different in the first place, however, we’ll give him the fact that little has changed a year on.
Despite the Glazers making the decision to sell the club on the 22nd of November 2022, which was also the day of the termination of Ronaldo’s United contract by mutual consent, the takeover saga carries on.
Combine this with the fact money is scarce, Old Trafford is falling down and the club is still in a weird purgatory stage, we’ll give Ronaldo this one in the sense progress is ‘zero’.
Whether Cristiano Ronaldo would remain at Manchester United
Ronaldo was asked whether he would remain at Manchester United.
What Ronaldo said:
“It’s difficult to tell right now, because my mood is, right now, [focused on] the World Cup. It’s probably my last World Cup and, of course, my fifth World Cup.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen after the World Cup, but as I told you before, and I will say again, the fans will always be in my heart. And I hope they will be by my side, even if I [come] back, or if I’m not back, or if I stay or whatever.”
Verdict:
HIS CONTRACT WAS TERMINATED.
The club parted ways with Ronaldo just a week later, with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr FC securing his services.
It was the correct decision. There was no coming back after this interview.
Whether Cristiano Ronaldo would face criticism after the interview
Ronaldo was asked whether he believed he would face criticism post-interview.
What Ronaldo said:
“They criticise me when I don’t speak, so of course they’re going to criticise me when I do speak – even more. But it’s something that I can deal with, that. I know I’m going to be disappointing for a few people. Maybe I’m going to make up a few people.
“But it is what it is. The life is completely difficult, we have obstacles in our lives, and I will keep running to fight against the people who don’t believe me, and the life is a challenge, and I want people to know they’re wrong.
Verdict:
TRUE… AND FALSE.
Ronaldo was criticised heavily for this, with many deeming his behaviour unprofessional and arrogant.
However, many also praised Ronaldo for speaking up. However, a year on, with seemingly nothing altered, it appears Ronaldo’s interview did nothing but cause a huge media storm for Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo on when retirement is going to happen
What Ronaldo said:
“I want to play two years more, three years more. So two or three years maximum. I want to finish at 40. I think 40 will be a good age… but I don’t know, I don’t know the future.
“Sometimes you plan one thing for your life and as I said many times, the life is dynamic and you never know what’s going to happen.”
Verdict:
This one is very LIKELY.
At 38 years of age, Ronaldo is still going strong, albeit in a weaker league.
He has a remarkable 30-goal involvements in 20 games for club and country this season, so shows no sign of slowing down.
We wouldn’t even be surprised if he surpassed this number.
Cristiano Ronaldo on whether Ralf Rangnick knew what he was doing
Ronaldo was asked whether Ralf Rangnick knew what he was doing at the helm of Manchester United.
What Ronaldo said:
“No, they don’t. They knew the club, very well. But they don’t know the main dimension of the club inside, the history of the club.
“Which is, for me, surprised me even more. Which is when you sack Ole Solskjaer, you should bring a top manager, not a Sports Director.”
Verdict:
RANGNICK KNEW MORE THAN WE THOUGHT.
The German coach was often criticized for his style of play at United, which yes – he probably deserved, but he identified fundamental issues with the club that are still prevalent to this day.
Rangnick famously quoted United needed ‘open heart surgery‘. This has never been more apparent than what we’ve seen from the squad this season.
He also advised United to make certain signings who have gone on to be world-beaters and had a soft spot for certain departures who are now thriving.
Underappreciated, is a word that comes to mind.
Will Manchester United fans still love Cristiano Ronaldo?
Ronaldo was asked how he thought the fans would react to his interview.
What Ronaldo said:
“I hope they [United fans] been in my side, even if I back, or if I’m not back, or if I stay or whatever.
“The fans for me always will be in my side, will be always in my heart. I see when I go to the streets, the love, the passion, that people have for me, the respect. I hope they never forget the things that I will continue to do.
“Manchester will be always on my side, the fans will be always on my side; doesn’t matter what’s going to happen.”
Verdict:
Finally, this one is still TRUE.
Despite the drama caused by the interview, Ronaldo will always be deep in the hearts of United fans.
The Portuguese footballing legend will be regarded as one of the club’s greatest-ever players, scoring countless goals, winning many trophies, producing iconic moments and making memories to last a lifetime.
Old Trafford will always be a place that worships all things Cristiano Ronaldo.