Ralf Rangnick Ignored A Recent Request From Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has asked for a new formation at Manchester United to get more out of him, but so far Ralf Rangnick has rejected the request.

It's not been a particularly happy time for Cristiano recently, he's not 'Ronaldo' any more because that's what Thierry Henry told me.

The 37-year-old has scored only once in the past nine games for United and has looked a bit of a shell of his former self, failing even to have a shot on target against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.

Not only has his form taken a nosedive but, according to one poll, over half of the club's fans don't want him to remain at Old Trafford beyond this season.

And the lack of support may even stretch to his manager, with interim boss Rangnick reportedly refusing a suggestion from Ronaldo (so Thierry) to get the best out of the forward, and the rest of the team.

According to the Athletic, the former Juventus forward asked the German to change the system and play two strikers, with him being one of them of course, but the former RB Leipzig manager has so far refused.

Ronaldo has been left frustrated recently. Image: PA Images

The report claims that the meeting happened following the 1-1 draw with Southampton, which was the club's third game in-a-row without win.

Drawing with the Saints was preceded by a 1-1 draw with Burnley and the penalty loss to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup which also finished the same score in 90 minutes, as the team failed to finish chances in all three.

Ronaldo was joined by other senior players in the chat with Rangnick but he was the main contributor as he talked about needing a partner.

Part of the problem for United has been the fact that they don't really have another striker to pair the Champions League all time top scorer with.

Cavani's injury struggles have not helped. Image: PA Images

Edinson Cavani continues to struggle with fitness issues, whilst Marcus Rashford is only ever used in wide positions and has been in poor form.

Anthony Martial left the club on loan in January, leaving for Sevilla, and Mason Greenwood remains suspended by the club, following his arrest.

When Rangnick first moved to the club he did attempt to implement a 4-2-2-2 system, and used a 4-4-2 as well, but soon reverted back to the 4-2-3-1 that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer often used.

Ronaldo's lack of form, as well as reported 'power struggle' with Harry Maguire, and falling out with Rangnick, has led to one pundit to call on him to retire from the game.

Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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