RALF RANGNICK will stick with under-fire Cristiano Ronaldo for Sunday’s Manchester derby despite his goal drought.
The United boss is hopeful that a week’s rest will have helped re-energise the footballing veteran who has just one goal from his last ten games.
Cristiano Ronaldo was a frustrated figure as he and Man Utd fired blanks against Watford but is still tipped to start at the EtihadMarcus Rashford is an alternative to Cristiano Ronaldo but is short of confidence
Ronaldo, at 37, started his fifth game in 15 days last Saturday as the Red Devils fought out a goalless draw with Watford.
The veteran frontman missed a host of chances.
Rangnick, however, explained afterwards that he had few options but to play him.
Marcus Rashford could be an option for Sunday’s trip to The Etihad with Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga either side of him.
But Rashford’s confidence looks shot.
Edinson Cavani has been complaining of a groin problem that has kept him out of action but he could be available.
Creating chances has not been the problem in the Premier League.
In the 13 games under Rangnick United have created 160 chances, more than any other club in that period, but only 20 goals have come from them.
Still Rangnick has faith that super-fit Ronaldo can find his scoring boots again.
The same boots that hit 14 goals in 20 games before his recent poor run.
His recent form, however, has brought into question whether he will stay at United for a second season having signed a two-year contract on his return.
SunSport has already revealed that the player himself will want to leave if the club finish outside the Champions League places.
There is an argument that his return to the club affected Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s long term planning having finished the previous season in second place
A number of the younger players have felt intimidated by him.
Interim chief Ralf Rangnick is set to keep faith with Cristiano Ronaldo
They feel they have to pass to him when he demands the ball and are concerned as to his reaction if they make a mistake.
The problem Solskjaer had was, how could he let him go to Manchester City?
He could be up to 20 goals by now for them in what is a much better team prompting criticism as to why United did not use their emotional pull to bring him back to Old Trafford where he first made his name.
It promises to be a red hot atmosphere for him on the blue side of the city on Sunday having turned down the Champions bid to land him.
It’s a crucial clash for both sides with City chasing the title and United in a battle for the top four.
City are currently six points ahead of second-placed Liverpool who have a game in hand.
United are clinging on to fourth spot by two points ahead of West Ham and Arsenal.
While the Hammers have played the same amount of games as United, Arsenal have three in hand.
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