Ralf Rangnick's comments about "too old" Cristiano Ronaldo will worry Man Utd forward
Posted Friday, November 26, 2021 by Dailystar.co.uk
Ralf Rangnick's comments about "too old" Cristiano Ronaldo will worry Man Utd forward
Ralf Rangnick made a "too old" remark about Cristiano Ronaldo five years ago that will worry the Manchester United forward ahead of his arrival as interim manager.
The German has reportedly reached an agreement with United to become their interim manager until the end of the season, when they will then appoint a new permanent manager.
His arrival will bring to an end the tenure of caretaker boss Michael Carrick, who oversaw Tuesday night's 2-0 win away to Villarreal in the Champions League.
However, comments Rangnick made during his time as manager of RB Leipzig may worry club top scorer Ronaldo.
Ralf Rangnick once called Cristiano Ronaldo too old
Back in 2016, Rangnick was asked about the prospects of Leipzig signing either Ronaldo or Lionel Messi and whether he would sign either of them.
Rangnick responded by saying: "It would be absurd to think that it could work with them here. They are both too old and too expensive."
At the time, Ronaldo was 31, playing for Real Madrid and had just won the fourth of his five Champions League titles.
However, Rangnick did not view the Portugal forward as a viable option to join his young Leipzig side, due to his age and potential cost.
The German is known for favouring younger recruits under the age of 24.
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United this summer
Rangnick had just guided Leipzig to the Bundesliga and was returning to his role of sporting director with the club after a season as manager.
His Leipzig side included Marcel Sabitzer, Emil Forsberg and Lukas Klostermann, who all went on to play for the club in the Champions League.
Now 36, Ronaldo is set to have the chance to work with the man who once called him too old, as Rangnick nears the completion of his move to Old Trafford.
His high press style would also clash with Ronaldo, who is famously static these days.
His appointment will not come in time for Sunday's trip to Chelsea, with his first match in charge likely to be at home to Arsenal next Thursday.
Cristiano Ronaldo is Manchester United's top scorer this season (Image: Getty Images)
Ronaldo returned to United in the summer after 12 years away from the club and has so far scored 10 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions.
This includes six goals in five matches in Europe and he is currently the club's top scorer so far this season.
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