Cristiano Ronaldo hands boost to Ralf Rangnick ahead of first Man Utd game

Manchester United take on Crystal Palace this afternoon in Ralf Rangnick’s first match in charge of the Red Devils since replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as interim manager

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Rangnick ‘couldn’t possibly turn down’ Man Utd role

Cristiano Ronaldo has handed Ralf Rangnick a major boost ahead of his first match in charge of Manchester United this afternoon.

Crystal Palace travel to Old Trafford and have been tasked with spoiling the party with the German set to implement huge changes at the club.

The former RB Leipzig manager wants to bring a high-pressing style of tactics that has proved successful with the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel at Liverpool and Chelsea respectively.

Rangnick is considered by both as one of their major influences in coaching but it remains to be seen whether the 63-year-old can coax a similar reaction out of United’s crop as they have done with their clubs.

One player that appears to go against the philosophy is Ronaldo, who was ranked lowest in a recent study of pressing forwards.

Yet the 36-year-old is almost untouchable since his shock return in the summer transfer window, scoring 12 goals across all competitions – including a brace against Arsenal in their 3-2 win over their rivals.

However, fitness issues arose from that match that made the five-time Ballon d’Or winner a doubt for Rangnick’s first game in charge this afternoon.

Ronaldo was seen hobbling off on Thursday night and with just two days recovery before United’s next match, it looked unlikely that he would play a part against Palace.

But the veteran forward has appeared to dispel those fears and handed Rangnick a big boost by insisting he is ready for action on Instagram.

Posting to his story, he uploaded a picture of himself in training with the caption: “Ready for tomorrow.”

There has been much talk over how Rangnick and Ronaldo will interact with each other in training but the German coach has insisted he cannot wait to work with the former Real Madrid and Juventus frontman.

“You always have to adapt your style or your idea of football to the players you have available, not vice versa,” Rangnick said.

“Having seen Cristiano yesterday in the second-half at the age of 36, 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.

Will Ronaldo be a success under Rangnick? Comment below

“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 yesterday, he is more than willing to do that, to put his input into the team. His team-mate will have to do the same.”