Cristiano Ronaldo ‘doesn’t do the hard work’ and Manchester United need to press more, but Ralf Rangnick urged to keep playing Portuguese superstar after ending goal drought

Cristiano Ronaldo no longer shows the tireless workrate he was known for in his younger days, but he has been backed to keep his place in Manchester United’s starting XI regardless.

Many will argue Ronaldo’s place in the United team should not even be a question, and yet big doubts have been asked about his role in Ralf Rangnick’s team of late.

3

After an electric start following his return to Old Trafford in the summer, the Portuguese superstar has endured a frustrating run of dwindling form over recent weeks and months, which culminated in the 37-year-old’s longest goal drought for over a decade.

Ronaldo ended that barren spell - a run of only six games without scoring, which would be run of the mill for another striker who is not CR7 - with a brilliant long-range strike in a 2-0 victory over Brighton on Tuesday, a result that saw Man United return to the Premier League’s top four.

Some supporters were still not overly happy with what they saw from their side as they laboured to victory against the ten-man Seagulls, with only Bruno Fernandes’ goal late into stoppage-time making the win absolutely certain.

But Ronaldo’s strike was a signal of what he can still do at the head of United’s attack, despite his age.

Instead, talkSPORT has been told Rangnick must get his players pushing opponents higher up the pitch to help benefit from Ronaldo’s goalscoring prowess, with no question that he is still one of the best finishers in world football.

Most read in Football

Tottenham Hotspur in major blow as club fear key man is set for lengthy spell on sidelines

Cole Palmer apologises over X-rated interview after ending Liverpool's seven-year record

Leeds chairman confirms future of boss Daniel Farke - 24 hours after Championship glory

Harry Kane instantly reacts after winning first trophy of career - without even playing

3

“If you press high and win the ball back in the opposition’s half, then Ronaldo hasn’t really got to run that far to get the ball at his feet right in front of their goal,” said pundit and former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders on the Sports Bar.

“I’m thinking after what we’ve heard from Ralf Rangnick, that they’re going to press, but Brighton were getting the ball and they were walking it out from their defence.

“There was no pressure on the ball whatsoever, I cannot understand it.”

3

“Sometimes you have players in your side who you allow to not work as hard,” added former Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara.

“You have the guys in midfield who run around and do the hard yards, but you’ve got to have a player who is going to win you games - that’s what Ronaldo does.

“He steps up in big moments and scores goals. He scored a great goal tonight and they have to keep him in there.”