In 2016, when Ronaldo was 31 years old, Rangnick was asked if possible, would he sign with Ronaldo or Messi? The German tactician's answer is no.
"Absolutely not. The club has only limited its salary fund and those like them are too old. We have our philosophy and they won't be effective" - Rangnick shared when he was working at Leipzig.
Unexpectedly, 5 years later, the 63-year-old strategist took over Manchester United with Ronaldo being the most anticipated star despite being 36 years old.
With what he has done over the past time, Rangnick can be a solid support for Manchester United's young players with his football philosophy and approach. However, for Ronaldo, everything must be handled more than just the usual skill.
It is an undeniable truth that, despite being very good, Rangnick has never held a big team, especially the most famous superstars like Ronaldo. Maybe Jurgen Klopp or Thomas Tuchel are greatly influenced by Rangnick, but the German coach has never been seen from the perspective of a general. This time at M.U, everything is really starting.
Another thing about Rangnick not liking older players. When Jamie Vardy was playing for the unknown club Fleetwood and was only 25 years old, the English striker was criticized by Rangnick as "too old".
For Rangnick, he prioritizes teams with an average age of about 24. Although lack of experience is clearly visible, the desire to win, the desire to improve oneself from the students is what Rangnick needs.
Rangnick has affirmed that pressing is pressing, there is no such thing as "pressing a little" because according to him, it cannot be considered a football festival because it is not clear. Remember, on average, Ronaldo only accelerates about 8-12 times per match, too little compared to what Rangnick wants for gegenpressing.
When M.U drew with Everton at the beginning of the season, Solskjaer was "taured" by Sir Alex in a conversation with Khabib that the Norwegian coach should not let Ronaldo be on the bench. Ronaldo is different from any other star at Manchester United in the Premier League era when he has such a great support as Fergie and in fact, there has not been any player in M.U's history who has reached such a great level as CR7.
Rangnick will directly hold M.U until the end of the season and the upcoming period will make the German coach have to consider a lot. Does he want to change the playing style of the Ronaldo team right now or will he wait until the end of the season, behind advising someone new on how to use Ronaldo?
CR7 is a very special case because many coaches in the past have lost their jobs because they cannot please him. No one could have predicted how Rangnick would use Ronaldo, at least until the end of the match against Chelsea in round 13 of the Premier League.
From now until the end of the season, it is expected that there will be many changes, especially for Ronaldo at Old Trafford under the new reign.
