How can Rangnick solve the Cristiano conundrum?

Manchester United are about to embark on their toughest period in the season so far and they're behind the eight ball.

Manchester City (A), Tottenham (H) and Atletico Madrid (H) read their next three matches.

These are fixtures that all United supporters should relish but for many a feeling of resignation is already looming due to their ongoing struggles.

On Saturday, the Red Devils welcomed lowly Watford to Old Trafford in the Premier League.

The Hornets travelled to Manchester having conceded four at home to Crystal Palace just three days beforehand as their relegation fears worsened.

However, they emerged with a clean sheet and a point after fighting for a 0-0 draw.

In truth, Watford were fortunate but you make your own luck as Manchester United wasted numerous guilt-edged chances, with Cristiano Ronaldo among those at fault.

Ralf Rangnick's side mustered up 22 shots at Watford's goal. Of those, the misfiring Ronaldo saw a chance hit the post and also had a first-half effort ruled out for offside.

He also struck Anthony Elanga with a goalbound effort to summarise an afternoon of pure frustration, while also blocking a Bruno Fernandes shot that was heading for goal too.

Frustration is the perfect word to sum up Ronaldo at present. He has been going through a period of personal frustration with a barren run that has seen him just score once in his last 10 Manchester United matches. 

Within the stands at Old Trafford too on Saturday were ever increasing groans of discontent among supporters at his output as well.

Now 37, it's clear and understandable that this version of the Portuguese superstar isn't the one that we have all been accustomed to seeing over the last 15 years or so.

He looked sluggish on and off the ball