Time has proven Cristiano Ronaldo was right about his recommendation to replace Solskjaer at Man Utd

When Cristiano Ronaldo sensationally announced his return to Manchester United in September 2021, the football world erupted in a wave of nostalgia and fervent optimism. It was framed as a homecoming, a narrative of the prodigal son returning to elevate his beloved club back to its former glories. Old Trafford buzzed with an energy not felt in years, the belief palpable that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was the missing piece in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s evolving puzzle. Yet, the fairytale quickly soured, and what began as a dream reunion ultimately concluded in a contentious and premature departure, leaving many to reflect on whether the Portuguese superstar’s often-criticized demands for change were, in hindsight, remarkably prescient.

Ronaldo's second spell at Old Trafford coincided with a period of growing unrest and tactical stagnation under Solskjaer. While the initial months saw him deliver crucial goals, particularly in the Champions League, the team’s overall performance remained alarmingly inconsistent. The attacking fluidity that had been hoped for never truly materialised, and the defensive frailties became increasingly exposed. Whispers of Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with training intensity, tactical approaches, and the general ambition within the squad began to surface. It wasn't merely about personal statistics; it was about a deeply ingrained winning mentality clashing with a club struggling to escape a cycle of mediocrity. The gulf between Ronaldo's elite expectations and the prevailing standards at Carrington became a palpable tension, suggesting a fundamental disagreement on the necessary steps to compete at the highest level.

Solskjaer's eventual dismissal in November 2021, following a humiliating string of results, validated the immediate need for change at the helm. However, the subsequent appointments of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager and then Erik ten Hag marked a turbulent transition that further underscored the deep-seated issues Ronaldo had seemingly identified. Rangnick, brought in to instil a high-pressing philosophy, openly admitted to the squad’s lack of physical and mental readiness, echoing sentiments that Ronaldo had privately and, at times, publicly alluded to regarding the team's professional standards. The club's struggles continued, demonstrating that the problems ran far deeper than just a single managerial figure; they were systemic, encompassing recruitment, squad cohesion, and a winning culture that seemed to have eroded over time.