Ralf Rangnick hails Cristiano Ronaldo at first press conference | OneFootball

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Stretty News

·3 December 2021

Ralf Rangnick hails Cristiano Ronaldo at first press conference

Article image:Ralf Rangnick hails Cristiano Ronaldo at first press conference

Ralf Rangnick used his first press conference as Manchester United manager to praise Cristiano Ronaldo after his two-goal display in the 3-2 win over Arsenal on Thursday night.

The interim boss was sat in the stands while Michael Carrick took charge of his final game as caretaker boss. Rangnick will step in for his first game on Sunday against Crystal Palace, but he won’t have Carrick as part of his staff after the former midfielder decided to depart the club last night

There have been questions raised over whether Ronaldo, 36, will fit into Rangnick’s high-pressing style of play.


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But Rangnick was left impressed by the Portuguese star.

Speaking to reporters this morning, the German said (via Manchester Evening News): “You always have to adapt your style or your idea of football to the players you have available, not vice versa.

“Having seen Cristiano yesterday in the second-half at the age of 36, an amazing top professional. At his age, I’ve never seen a player who is still that physically fit. He’s still a player who can easily make the difference.

“So yes, it’s about how we can develop the whole team not only Cristiano. We play in the most competitive league in the world so we need all the players on board.

“What I saw from Cristiano yesterday, he is more than willing to do that, to put his input into the team. His team-mate will have to do the same.”

Ronaldo took his tally of career goals to 801 as he struck twice against the Gunners.

With 12 goals in 17 appearances since returning to the club, Ronaldo will be looking to score more under Rangnick between now and the end of the season.

The double he scored against Arsenal takes his tally across two spells at United to 130.

Ronaldo also scored 450 goals for Real Madrid, 101 for Juventus, five for Sporting Lisbon and another 115 on the international stage.

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