“Hard for Manchester to Be in the Top” – Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals More Inside Details on How the Owners of the Club Have Spoilt the Culture

A lot has been said about Manchester United in the past few hours. Cristiano Ronaldo recently expressed his feelings about the club’s management and coach Erik ten Hag. The 37-year-old also spoke to lengths about former United legends such as Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville. The Red Devils released an official statement on the player but are yet to take an action against him. However, the player went on to criticize the Glazers, who have been owners since the early 2000s.

The Glazers’ ownership in Manchester United was 15% by the end of 2003. Two years later, they took over the club by controlling 75% of the club’s shares. The Glazers then delisted the club from the London Stock Exchange and gained control of 98% of the club. They tasted early success with the club under Sir Alex Ferguson, but the team has struggled ever since SAF’s departure.

The Glazers have been under heavy scrutiny from fans in the past decade. Many have criticized them for taking out money from the club and not investing in the club’s infrastructure. Cristiano Ronaldo, who hasn’t spoken to the owners since joining United last year, called out the owners for not caring about the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo claims it’ll be hard for Manchester United to be at the top

During a recent interview, Piers Morgan asked Ronaldo for his opinion on the owners. To this, Ronaldo said that the Glazers ‘don’t care’ about the club on a sporting level.

“The owners of the club, the Glazers, they don’t care about the club. I mean professional sport, as you know, this Manchester is a marketing club,” Ronaldo told Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo also admitted that he has never spoken to the owners ever since joining the Red Devils in his 2nd stint. Morgan then raised the point United fans have been complaining for years. The British journalist told Ronaldo about the fan’s opinion of the Glazers.

“The fans they’re always right. I think the fans should know that the players; we want the best for the club. I want the best of the club,” Ronaldo said.

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He continued: “But you have some things inside the club which don’t help Manchester reach the top level as City Liverpool and even now Arsenal, for example. Which is complicated, it’s difficult, it’s hard in my opinion. It will be hard for Manchester to be in the top of the game the next two-three years.”

Manchester United hasn’t won a silverware in the past five years. They last won a trophy in May 2017 under Jose Mourinho, when they won the UEFA Europa League. Fast forward five years and with half a billion spent on transfers, they are struggling to perform.

Manchester United’s spending in past five years

Manchester United spent more than 700 million pounds since their last trophy win in 2017. They spent £178.56 million in the 2017/18 season, followed by £74.43 million the next season. However, the huge spending didn’t help them in securing a trophy and they splashed big money next summer again (£204.1 million). Last summer they spent £75.42 million and failed to reach the Champions League.

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With immense pressure from fans, they spent around £240 million by signing Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Malacia. With a new coach at their helm, it’ll be interesting to see if they manage to make it to the Champions League next season.