Man United in 2021: Ronaldo's return, Ole out and Rangnick revolution
Cristiano Ronaldo and Ralf Rangnick’s relationship at Manchester United is ‘fractured’, reports say. The Portugal international was a shining light during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time at the helm. Yet he’s regressed under his current boss, netting just two times so far.
Playing under Solskjaer, Ronaldo scored an impressive nine goals and clocked up two assists in 13 games.
He started 12 of those matches, only being benched for the 1-1 draw against Everton when he was introduced in the second half.
Ronaldo averaged a goal every 120 minutes and also averaged 97.8 minutes for every goal or assist at the club.
Since Rangnick’s appointment, however, he’s gone backwards.
The Portugal international has netted just twice under Rangnick and, what’s more, just one of those have been in open play.
Rangnick hasn’t hesitated to drop or take his No 7 off the field during his time at United, despite Ronaldo’s desire to play every minute of every match.
Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy at Man Utd under Ralf Rangnick (Image: GETTY)
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And, now, AS say Ronaldo’s relationship with his current manager is ‘fractured’ behind the scenes.
The Portugal forward feels Rangnick isn’t good enough to be United manager, doubting the credentials of the 63-year-old.
He was also said to be unhappy when the German said on Friday that Ronaldo should be scoring more, even if he also insisted the former Real Madrid star wasn’t alone in that regard.
Yet while that’s supposedly the case, the Portugal international has no intention of jumping ship.
Ronaldo is said to be happy living in England, especially with his son, Cristiano Jr, recently signing his first professional contract with the Red Devils.
Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't think Ralf Rangnick is good enough to be Man Utd boss (Image: GETTY)
Erik ten Hag is another candidate, with the Dutchman likely to leave Ajax following the departure of Marc Overmars.
And Roberto Mancini, Luis Enrique, Graham Potter and Brendan Rodgers have also been linked to the post, despite all four men being employed at the current moment in time.
Meanwhile, former Sky Sports anchor Richard Keys recently criticised Ronaldo after he stormed down the tunnel following a 1-1 draw with Burnley.
“[It was reported] that Jorge Mendes was talking to senior Manchester United executives this week about the possibility of Ronaldo leaving in the summer”, Keys said on beIN SPORTS.
“My own view on that would be I’d encourage him to go now, I have been of the opinion all-season long.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored just twice for Man Utd since Ralf Rangnick took charge (Image: GETTY)
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“I think he’s as much a part of the problem, not the whole problem, as much a part of the problem as anything and anybody else.
“The other night when he went running to the tunnel at the end of the game at Turf Moor, having recently lectured everybody about being the leader he believes himself to be and that youngsters don’t do the sort of things that he does, how does that encourage team spirit in the dressing room.”
He then added: “That’s fine, then go and sign for Bournemouth and you’ll play every week.”
Ronaldo will be hoping to start against Brighton on Tuesday night.
Victory for United will, temporarily at least, move them back into the top four.