Man United in 2021: Ronaldo's return, Ole out and Rangnick revolution
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has opened up on Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of tonight’s Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid. The Portugal international has a great record against the La Liga sides, having netted 25 times against them during his career so far. And he’ll be hoping to get on the scoresheet tonight as the Red Devils look to claim a first-leg lead.
Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to fire his side to Atletico Madrid Champions League win (Image: GETTY)
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When asked if Ronaldo and Raphael Varane, another former Real Madrid star, was excited about the match he said: “Yes but this is also true of the rest of the team.
“Obviously, for the two of them, it's coming back to the place they used to play, the city they played for a long time.”
On Ronaldo, he then added: “We will see.
“Again, he’s got enough experience. He’s used to this sort of hostile atmosphere in his career so it shouldn’t impress him a lot.
“Again, for us, it’s about how we perform as a team.
“He cannot do it on his own. We have to perform on a high level as a team, like we did against Leeds, knowing the quality of Atletico is high.”
Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick is looking forward to Atletico Madrid tie (Image: GETTY)
“I expect 65,000 in that stadium. It was an important win for the league but also for the team to have shown they are ready for that kind of experience in that kind of atmosphere.”
When quizzed on how important it is that his players are focused, the former RB Leipzig and Schalke boss said: “Very important.
“In the Champions League, we can sub five players, which is good.
“I would wish also this to be the case in the Premier League. I think we’re the only league in Europe, as far as I know, with only three subs being allowed.
“Therefore, I’m very happy I can sub five players.”
Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 25 goals against Atletico Madrid (Image: GETTY)
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David De Gea, meanwhile, is enjoying the prospect of facing his old side on the big stage.
“Yes, of course it’s an interesting and special game coming up against Atletico de Madrid,” he said.
“It’s the first time I will have gone back or, indeed, played against them since I left the club, and it will be an extremely difficult game.
“We all know how Atletico Madrid play, they’re a very strong and tough outfit, who know how to really compete.
“It will be a hugely entertaining tie and let’s hope we can win through.”