Rangnick dismisses Ronaldo concerns, confirms Cavani’s future

The interim boss has dismissed suggestions that CR7 needs to be rested on Monday and confirmed Cavani will stay at the Theatre of Dreams.

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick sees no reason to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for the club’s first match of 2022.

The 36-year-old is set to play his third game in a week on Monday night when United welcome Wolves to Old Trafford after supplying a goal and an assist in the 3-1 win over Burnley last Thursday.

However, while the tight schedule is far from ideal, Rangnick has no concerns about starting Ronaldo for a third consecutive match.

“Today, I didn’t see any reason why he [Ronaldo] shouldn’t be able to play another game,” said the German coach in a pre-match press conference on Sunday.

“Physically, he seems to be fit, he’s doing everything, he’s a top professional, looks after himself, looks after his body, he eats the right things.

“At the age of 36, I’ve never seen a player of this age, maybe [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic is a little bit older but he’s a different kind of player. But I don’t see why he shouldn’t be able to play three games in eight days.

“If at one stage, he needs to rest it’s no problem but it’s even more important to have Edinson [Cavani] in the squad.”

Cavani staying, Martial’s future still uncertain

Rangnick also announced that he will not allow Edinson Cavani to leave the club in January, despite the Uruguayan’s lack of game time this season.

“We spoke about Edi, and he knows I will definitely not let him go,” said Rangnick.

“For me, he is a highly important player for the rest of the season, [we’re] still playing in three competitions so we will definitely need Edi. I would rather have another Edi on top of that but for me it is clear Edi has to stay.”

The interim boss, though, admitted that Anthony Martial’s absence from the squad is not due to injury.

The Frenchman wants to leave Old Trafford this month for more game time at another club. He has confirmed his plans to Rangnick. But while La Liga side Sevilla are reportedly interested, nothing has materialized so far.