Cristiano Ronaldo has backed Ruben Amorim to turn around Manchester United's fortunes by calling for the “storm to end” at Old Trafford under his fellow Portuguese.
Amorim has had a difficult start to his career at United, losing five of his first 10 games in charge since succeeding Erik ten Hag last month.
The 39-year-old even suggested after the 2-0 Boxing Day defeat at Wolves – their third successive defeat in all competitions – that his job was in danger if United did not find form soon.
“He (Amorim) did a great job in Portugal with my (club) Sport,” said Ronaldo, speaking at the Soccer Globe Awards in Dubai where the Al Nassr forward was named the best player in the Middle East in 2024.
“But the Premier League is a different beast, the most competitive league in the world.
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Amorim says every manager is under pressure and there is no way he can get 'comfortable' in his role at Old Trafford, especially after a run of three straight defeats.
“I knew it would be hard and they will continue the storm. But the storm will end and the sun will rise.
“Fingers crossed, he'll be fine and I hope the best for Manchester United because it's a club I still love.
Ronaldo: Man Utd's 'same problem'
Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for the second time at the end of 2022
Ronaldo's second spell at United ended in November 2022 following an explosive television interview with presenter and journalist Piers Morgan.
United terminated Ronaldo's contract with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner criticizing owners the Glazer family, the state of the club's facilities and then manager Ten Hag.
Ronaldo said: “I said this a year and a half ago and I'll keep saying it: the coaches are not the problem.
Ronaldo was named the best player in the Middle East at the Soccer Globe Awards in Dubai
“It's like the aquarium and you have a fish in there and it's sick, and you take it out and fix the problem.
“If you put him back in the aquarium he will be sick again. This is the problem at Manchester United. It is the same.”
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Highlights from the Premier League match between Wolves and Manchester United
Boyhood fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been involved in United since Ronaldo left for Saudi Arabia and now owns almost 29 per cent of the club.
Ratcliffe's Ineos company controls Old Trafford's football operations but, despite winning the FA Cup last season, fortunes on the pitch have not improved.
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Manchester United defender Harry Maguire says the team have faith in new head coach Ruben Amorim and is backing him to succeed because he is a “winner”.
United are currently 14th in the Premier League, just eight points above the relegation zone.
When asked if the situation at United is the same as when he left, Ronaldo replied: “100 per cent. If I were the owner of the club I would make things clear and change what I think is bad there.
“I am still very young, I have so many plans and dreams ahead of me. Mark my words that I will be the owner of a big club, for sure.”
