Manchester United duo to solve Cristiano Ronaldo problem as Ralf Rangnick addresses his future

Your Manchester United morning headlines for Saturday, March 5.

Cristiano Ronaldo has not enjoyed a good start to 2022. Having played 10 games for United since the turn of the year, the Portuguese superstar has managed just one goal – far below his usual prolific output.

There has been an over-reliance on the 37-year-old to produce in front of goal. With Mason Greenwood’s continued absence from training and selection, coupled with Edinson Cavani’s recent injury problems, there haven’t been many other options up top.

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Ralf Rangnick believes there are two players in his squad who can help relieve some of the pressure on Ronaldo. The interim boss has called upon Cavani and Marcus Rashford to deliver in upcoming games, with Rangnick giving the pair his full backing at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s derby.

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While all the focus this weekend will be on events at the Etihad, there is the small matter of United’s search for a permanent manager still rumbling away in the background. The club still intend to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s full-time successor before the end of the season.

Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag remain the current frontrunners for the job, while Carlo Ancelotti has also been touted as a possible candidate. John Murtough has stated United are conducting a ‘thorough process’ to identify who will be appointed.

One option that hasn’t been explored too much is the potential for Rangnick to become the permanent manager. The German is set to take up a consultancy role at the end of the season, although he has given his thoughts on whether he would be