Cristiano Ronaldo could reportedly miss new Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick’s first game in charge with a knee injury he suffered during the Red Devils’ enthralling clash with Arsenal on Thursday. Rangnick, who has been appointed on an interim basis until the end of the season, kicks off his reign against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The 63-year-old tactician has replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the United dugout.
He will be in place until the end of the 2021-22 campaign before taking on a consultancy role within the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Given United’s complex structure, in which they already have a director of football and a technical director, it is unclear quite how Rangnick will fit in.
But the former RB Leipzig boss’ primary short-term goal will be guiding United back up the Premier League table.
Solskjaer lost seven of his final 13 matches in charge. Although Michael Carrick remained unbeaten during his three-game stint, the Red Devils find themselves seventh in the Premier League.
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Rangnick might need to begin his rebuild without star man Ronaldo, though. The legendary forward, whose brace helped Carrick sign off with a 3-2 win over Arsenal, has a knee problem.
According to the Sun, the Portugal icon suffered the injury while performing his famous ‘siu’ celebration against the Gunners.
Ronaldo marks his goals by running to the corner flag and springing high into the air while twisting his body. His arms are outstretched as he lands.
It was a surprise when he was withdrawn in the final minutes despite being a goal away from a first hat-trick since his incredible summer return.
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However, it now appears that it was due to an injury that could now keep him out against the Eagles, who are managed by former United nemesis Patrick Vieira.
Rangnick’s renowned energetic, high-pressing style has prompted suggestions that Ronaldo might struggle to fit into the team.
The 36-year-old has at times been criticised for his inability to press the opposition. But that has been outweighed by his incredible goal return, scoring 12 times since his transfer from Juventus.
Rangnick has insisted that he will adapt his ideas to accommodate his best players, including the No 7.
“You always have to adapt your style or your idea of football to the players you have available, not vice versa,” Rangnick told journalists on Friday.
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“Having seen Cristiano against Arsenal in the second half at the age of 36, he is 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, he is more than willing to do that, to put his input into the team. His team-mates will have to do the same.”
Ronaldo’s two goals against Arsenal were his 800th and 801st in club and international football.
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