Ferdinand backs Rangnick to adapt to Ronaldo while conveying the early progress at Manchester United
The match against Crystal Palace told us that Ralf Rangnick has plans to adapt to Cristiano Ronaldo and help Manchester United develop as a unit over the coming months.
Red Devils legend, Rio Ferdinand has made a similar point as Man United preparing to face Young Boys later today in the UEFA Champions League. Having already qualified for the last 16, the game gives Rangnick the opportunity to test out new players and tactics.
Rangnick got his first win as the interim manager of Man United through a goal scored by Fred. Several changes were noticeable in the game as the team looked tactically solid while pressing high up, from the front. Ronaldo was also among the action as he put in an effort in defending from the front.
Speaking on BT Sport (h/t The Sun), Ferdinand used Raul at Schalke as an example of how the German could adapt his tactics to suit CR7. The interim coach had managed the former Portuguese international in Germany in a similar circumstance.
“He’ll be adapting his tactics to suit a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo. Don’t forget that at Schalke he had another superstar in Raul, who was another ageing superstar, and he adapted things to make sure he could accommodate a player of that calibre and class.”
That could very well be the case as we could see a situation where others would compensate for Cristiano’s lack of pressing. At the same time, the latter could get instructed to cut the passing lanes or press at a specific point depending on the circumstance.
Sign of things to come?
The former defender mentioned the improvements noticeable during the first game on BT Sport (h/t Daily Mail Online). However, he kept his composure and expressed how we should not get carried away as it is still early days.
“We won’t get carried away, it’s been one game and maybe a training session. But there were noticeable differences and changes to the team, the structure of it, the way they pressed as a team – that’s the important point.”
Will Cristiano Ronaldo be able to cope with Ralf Rangnick's pressing style at Man Utd? ⚡@rioferdy5 gives his thoughts on a major talking point since the German's appointment… 🔴#UCLTONIGHT pic.twitter.com/JoD9bivvwJ
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 7, 2021
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We may not notice changes to a similar extent in the match today as the 63-year-old boss has confirmed that the team will be rotated. However, if we do notice a significant difference, it would be a sign of how the players have adapted to the tactics.
The United manager is warranted adequate time to shape the team to the way he wants, and we should support him to carry out his task. There will be times when results will not favour us, one must not lose sight of the larger picture.
