‘Total fracture’ between Ronaldo and Rangnick! What it means for Man Utd

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 14 Feb 2022 17:13 GMT
  • 3 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo and Ralf Rangnick, Man Utd, 2021-22
© ProShots

There has been a dramatic twist in the relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, according to a report in Spain.

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The pair’s relationship always seemed destined to be strained due to the pressing style that Rangnick prefers and Ronaldo’s inability to play in such a style at this late stage of his career.

Moreover, the interim manager has not been afraid to drop the Portuguese to the bench at times or even withdraw him from play with the game in the balance. Ronaldo has grown used to not being treated in such a manner during his legendary career.

The striker, meanwhile, is in the midst of his poorest run since 2009, which has sparked comments that left Ronaldo unhappy.

Speaking last week, Rangnick said it was “obvious” that Man Utd needed Ronaldo – as well as his team-mates – to start scoring more goals.

AS reports that these claims only increased Ronaldo’s anger at the manager and has caused a “total fracture” in their already difficult relationship.

Ronaldo and Rangnick: What happens next?

It seems unlikely that both will be able to continue at Manchester United in a working capacity if these reports are true.

Rangnick is due to take a step back from management to become sporting director in the summer, but he will still have control of the philosophy of the team. This is unlikely to be something that suits Ronaldo.

Ronaldo fumes after being replaced at Brentford
© ProShots - Ronaldo fumes after being replaced at Brentford

Meanwhile, reports linking Ronaldo with an Old Trafford departure continue to grow in number. AS reports, however, that Paris Saint-Germain have not made a bid for the Portuguese and have not considered him as a potential replacement to the apparently Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.

Manchester United, meanwhile, will not make any big decisions regarding the future of key elements of the club before a full-time manager is appointed, meaning that the uneasy relationship between Rangnick and Ronaldo will continue in the meantime.

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