Ralf Rangnick Is Doubtful Of Cristiano Ronaldo Leading Man Utd Next Season

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has doubts on whether Cristiano Ronaldo can lead the Old Trafford next season.

The legendary goalscorer is seen going through one of the most challenging periods of his career after scoring only one goal in his last 10 appearances for Man Utd. Ronaldo's worst goal scoring drought was in 2008 to 2009 when he went on for seven matches without scoring a goal.

According to sources, Rangnick's patience is wearing thin with Ronaldo, though the former has not thought of the possibility of dropping Ronaldo due to Man Utd's lack of reliable goalscorers. Rangnick, who is moving into a consultant role on July 1, prioritizes identifying a young striker capable of fronting the team's attack. He has already said it is "obvious" that Man Utd needs to sign a younger striker in the summer for better scoring next season.

After rejoining Man Utd, the Portuguese footballer has scored 14 goals in his first 20 games. However, Ronaldo suffered a goal drought that coincided with a hip injury that sidelined him for two games in January. The 37-year-old footballer has started six of the Red Devils' seven games this month, however, he only managed to score one out of his 28 attempts on goal. Ronaldo's contract is set to expire next year, and Man Utd have the option of an additional year for the Portuguese star.

As for the other players, Edinson Cavani has been ruled out for the last five games due to a groin problem and has just two goals to his name this term. Cavani, 35, has missed 22 of the club's 37 matches this term and is sure to leave when his contract expires in June. Also, Marcus Rashford has only managed to execute five goals in four-and-a-half months.

Rashford has failed to improve his poor form and was dropped again for the weekend draw with Watford. The 24-year-old scored 10 club goals in 2021 and could begin on the bench in a league derby at the Etihad for only the second time on Sunday. Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga has been ultimately visible under Rangnick. He scored three times, however, he is operating from the wing. The 19-year-old is in contention to make his derby debut this weekend.