“He’s everything they need” - Mikael Silvestre shares thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo’s career since leaving Manchester United

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has provided his opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo's career since leaving Manchester United after his second stint at the club. The Frenchman praised the Portuguese superstar's achievements with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Silvestre said (via Al-Nassr's X account):

“After that, he has just raised and raised and is still going at his age."

“This is unbelievable what he’s achieving. We don’t know the end, he hasn’t said when he wants to stop."

“I think it’s fantastic to have him at Nassr and doing what he does as a leader, as a captain, as a goalscorer."

“He’s everything they need and it’s something fantastic for Saudi in general to have him.”

Ronaldo made a sensational return to Manchester United in the summer of 2021, joining from Serie A giants Juventus. The Portuguese had established himself as one of the top players in the game with the Red Devils from 2003 to 2009 before securing a then-record £80 million move to Real Madrid.

After a fruitful first season back at United, where he finished as the side's top scorer, things went downhill for the 39-year-old. He gave a fiery interview with journalist Piers Morgan criticizing manager Erik ten Hag before leaving in November 2022 by mutual termination of his contract. Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, becoming the first of many top stars of European football to make the move to the Middle East.

Piers Morgan takes a dig at Erik ten Hag after sacking, mentions Cristiano Ronaldo

Journalist Piers Morgan took to X to react to Manchester United's dismissal of manager Erik ten Hag. He pointed to his 2022 interview with Cristiano Ronaldo and the comments he made about the Dutchman.

Morgan tweeted:

"Every single word that @Cristiano told me about Ten Hag in our explosive interview was born out by events."

"He was an over-promoted, delusional, disrespectful, and thoroughly mediocre manager who couldn’t handle world class talent or run a club that size," he added.

It was an unconvincing stint for Ten Hag with the Red Devils. While he did win two trophies, the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, the side finished eighth in the league last season. His struggles were further compounded by a forgettable start to the 2024-25 campaign, with the club sitting 14th after nine league games, leading to his dismissal.

Manchester United will now turn to another legendary striker of the club, Ruud van Nistelrooy, to take up interim duties. The Dutchman was appointed as assistant coach in the summer and will hold the reins until a suitable replacement is found.