Cristiano Ronaldo may still have a future with
Manchester United in the future after retirement, but not as a coach. Former United midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba believes Ronaldo would be better suited for a director or executive role because of his intense personality and winning mentality. The Portuguese superstar still remains one of the biggest names in football even at the age of 41.
Ronaldo is currently playing for Al-Nassr FC and continues to break records in the Saudi Pro League. He is also preparing to lead Portugal at the upcoming
FIFA World Cup while chasing the milestone of 1,000 career goals. Even though retirement talks continue, several former teammates believe Ronaldo could still have a future at Old Trafford in a leadership position away from the pitch.
Former teammates believe Cristiano Ronaldo can help Manchester United off the field
Speaking to
GOAL, Eric Djemba-Djemba explained that Cristiano Ronaldo’s mentality makes him unsuitable for coaching. According to the former midfielder, Ronaldo always pushes himself to achieve more and has maintained the same attitude since his teenage years at Manchester United. He recalled spending time with Ronaldo during their younger days and said the Portuguese star always wanted to improve every single day.
He also suggested that Ronaldo’s emotional and highly competitive nature may make coaching difficult for him. Instead, he believes Ronaldo would perform much better in a director or executive position where his leadership and football knowledge could benefit the club.
Ronaldo’s former teammates have also shared similar opinions in recent years. Former defender Danny Simpson told GOAL that Ronaldo still deeply cares about Manchester United and may want to return one day in a different role. Simpson added that Ronaldo likely wants to repair his relationship with the club after his difficult exit and could help improve the club with his mentality and experience.
Another former United defender, Wes Brown, also believes Ronaldo could move into football management at the executive level rather than become a coach. Brown said Ronaldo has the personality and business understanding needed for a boardroom role.
Meanwhile, former United midfielder Quinton Fortune also suggested Ronaldo could even become a part owner at Manchester United in the future. He praised Ronaldo’s success both on and off the field and said the Portuguese icon still shares a strong emotional connection with the club and its supporters.
For now, Ronaldo remains focused on his playing career with Al-Nassr and Portugal. However, speculation about his future after retirement continues to grow as many believe his journey with Manchester United may not be fully over yet.