Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted he would fix the deep-rooted “sickness” of Manchester United as owner of the club after setting sights on taking control of a major team when his playing career is over.

Ronaldo, 39, revealed at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai that he will be a future club owner and also highlighted the problem faced by Sir Jim Ratcliffe currently at Old Trafford, saying that changing managers cannot stop the rot at the club.

He compared United, who he left for a second time in 2022, to an aquarium that will continue making its fish sick. Current manager Ruben Amorim has his backing but issues run right through the club, where he won three Premier League titles and a Champions League.

“I said this one-and-a-half years ago and will continue to say, the problem is not the coaches,” he said. “I always give this example, it’s like the aquarium – if you have a fish that is sick and you take him out and fix the problem but put him back in, they will be sick again.

“This is the problem of Manchester United, it is the same. The problem is not only the coach, it is much more than that. If I was owner of the club I would make things clear and adjust what I think is bad there. I am still very young and have so many plans and dreams ahead, but mark my words I will be the owner of a big club, for sure.”

United lost at Wolves on Boxing Day to pull them closer to the relegation zone in Amorim’s first six weeks in charge after taking over from Erik ten Hag.

“He did a fantastic job in Portugal with my Sporting. The Premier League is a different beast, it is the most competitive league in the world and it will be tough. They will continue the storm but the storm will finish and the sun will rise. Fingers crossed things will be good with him and I hope the best for Manchester United as it is a club I still love.”

Ronaldo was also asked in front of the audience in Dubai about Manchester City’s plight, and was also asked if he would ever play for the Premier League champions.

“In football you never know what’s going to happen. Teams have moments. Difficult times, good times and what City are going through is a tough moment but I am sure 100% they will be back,” he said, before adding what his advice would be for them.

“Probably say less and show more. I would push a few guys apart and say what I think. I don’t need to say it in front of everybody.”