Could Manchester United’s Regret over Ronaldo’s Departure Be Their Final Downfall?
Former Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has ignited a fierce debate regarding Manchester United’s present predicament, suggesting that the club is suffering the consequences of their failure to heed warnings from Cristiano Ronaldo. As Liverpool looms on the horizon as potential champions, United faces the peril of their worst-ever Premier League finish, prompting scrutiny of past decisions.
Souness, a vocal pundit and football analyst, asserts that Manchester United’s management should have valued Ronaldo's insights when he returned to the club in 2021. The celebrated Portuguese forward shared discontent during his second stint at Old Trafford, questioning the commitment of his teammates and the overall professionalism displayed. “When Cristiano returned, he was the perfect role model, demanding high standards from those around him,” Souness stated, highlighting the blend of experience and excellence that Ronaldo brought to the squad.
However, the harmony soon unraveled. Following a bright start, which included a memorable brace on his debut against Newcastle, the team's fortunes dwindled, leading to the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Despite a new managerial appointment under Erik Ten Hag, the club continued to stagnate. Frustrated, Ronaldo famously left a match early and subsequently delivered a tell-all interview where he voiced his grievances about the club’s direction, ultimately resulting in his contract termination.
Souness’ critical lens reflects on the missed opportunities, particularly with regards to United’s management. He lamented, “It was folly for the decision-makers at Old Trafford not to listen to him. Promises made were broken, and as one of the greatest players ever, that should have demanded attention.” More than two years post-Ronaldo's exit, the club appears trapped in a cycle of underperformance, with little progress or tactical clarity.
Souness further elaborated on the importance of a winning mentality in the club's dressing room by reflecting on his own experiences at Liverpool. He stated, “When you played for Liverpool or United, attitude was just as crucial as ability. Every match was treated as a significant contest.” This philosophy, he suggests, is currently missing from the United squad, leaving fans and analysts questioning who the leaders truly are.
As Manchester United continues to struggle in the league—currently sitting 14th with just ten wins from 33 matches—their focus may now have to shift to the Europa League as a last hope for redemption this season. Meeting Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals could offer them a chance to salvage some pride.
In a football landscape where player influence remains significant, Souness urges that ignoring the voice of a talent like Ronaldo may not only represent a tactical error but a strategic blunder that could echo in the club’s history. Will United's decision-makers finally recognise their missteps as they navigate through this troubled era? As fans reflect on recent performances and setbacks, they might wonder, is there a way back, or is it too late?
We invite readers to share their thoughts—what do you think about the current state of Manchester United? Do you believe they can recover from this downturn?
