Cristiano Ronaldo has conceded that he is “not happy” with what Manchester United are achieving while he called for “higher spirit and a stronger mentality” in the dressing room.
Ronaldo completed the biggest transfer of 2021 when he rejoined the Red devils from Juventus for £20 million in August.
The Portugal international has since proven that he has lost none of his sharpness in front of goal by scoring 14 times in 21 matches, but United have not been nearly as consistent as a collective, which he says has been a source of major frustration.
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Ronaldo took to social media to reflect on a year that also saw him round off his time at Juventus with two more domestic trophies before taking home the Golden Boot for Portugal at the Euros.
He is demanding far more from his United team-mates in the second half of the campaign, though, as he wrote on Instagram: “2021 is coming to an end and it was far from being an easy year, despite my 47 goals scored across all competitions.
“At Juventus, I was proud to win the Italian Cup and the Italian Supercup, and become the Serie A Top Scorer. For Portugal, becoming the Euro Top Scorer was also a high point this year. And of course, my return to Old Trafford will always be one of the most iconic moments in my career.
“But I’m not happy with what we are achieving in Man United. None of us are happy, I’m sure of that. We know that we have to work harder, play better and deliver way more than we are delivering right now.
“Let’s make this New Year’s Eve a turning point of the season! Let’s embrace 2022 with a higher spirit and a stronger mentality. Let’s take us above and beyond, let’s reach for the stars and put this club right where it belongs! Join us, we’re counting on all of you!
“Happy New Year and see you soon!”
With the signings of Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho in the summer window, United initially looked well placed to challenge for the title at the start of the campaign under Solskjaer.
United started well but quickly faded, suffering defeats at the hands of Liverpool, Man City and Watford, with Solskjaer paying the price with his job.
Ralf Rangnick has now taken the managerial reins on an interim basis at the club, and has overseen three wins and two draws from his first five matches at the helm, with Wolves up next on Monday.
