Cristiano Ronaldo was critical of United’s facilities (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United have laughed off Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of the facilities at the club’s training ground and insist the complex has changed dramatically in recent years.
The 37-year-old claimed the infrastructure at Carrington hadn’t changed since his first stint at the club during a wide-ranging, controversial interview with Piers Morgan earlier this week.
Ronaldo spent six years at the club between 2003 and 2009 before joining Real Madrid and he made a sensational return 12 years later.
However, Ronaldo was far from pleased with the lack of progress and investment he saw at the training ground when he made his return 18 months ago.
In his interview with Morgan, Ronaldo said: ‘Nothing changed, surprisingly. Not only the pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym. Even the kitchen, the chefs, whom I appreciate – lovely people. They stopped in time. It surprised me a lot.
‘I thought I would see other things, technologies, and infrastructure. Unfortunately, we see a lot of what I used to see at 21, 22, and 23 years old. It really surprised me.”
‘Since Ferguson left, I haven’t seen an evolution at the club. Progress is zero. You have to tear it down and rebuild it. If they start with me, it’s not a problem.’
Cristiano Ronaldo’s first day back at Carrington (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United)
But United insist this is not the case, as they have made wholesale changes to the training ground in recent years.
The club insist the swimming pool area, cafeteria and main gym have all undergone a makeover.
Furthermore, planning permission is in place to revamp the remainder of the training ground to add more offices, a bigger gym area and a bigger car park.
Nevertheless, while fans are angry at Ronaldo’s comments on Ten Hag and Wayne Rooney, many agree with his view on the lack of investment at the club.
Old Trafford has been left behind by the likes of the Tottenham Hotspur stadium and though the club are looking into changes, any plans will take years to implement.
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They’re bemused.
