Man Utd boss Michael Carrick adamant Cristiano Ronaldo can play in high-pressing team after dropping him for Chelsea
MICHAEL CARRICK believes it is a ‘myth’ that Cristiano Ronaldo can’t play in a high-pressing team.
Incoming Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is credited for creating the high intensity ‘gegenpressing’ tactic taken on by the likes of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
There are question marks over whether that will fit with Ronaldo.
But asked if it was a myth that Ronaldo can’t play in a high pressing team, caretaker manager Carrick said: “You said it’s a myth, so maybe it is a myth. Maybe that is how it is.
“He has played in enough teams down the years, Cristiano, and has been successful to play a variety of ways, and has kept scoring goals for every team he has played for.
“So I am sure he will continue to score goals. I have no doubt about that.”
It was Carrick, however, who dropped Ronaldo for the draw against Chelsea, sparking rumours that Rangnick had already had an influence in his team selection.
He denied that afterwards and defended himself ahead of Thursday’s visit of Arsenal for making the decision.
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He said: “There are a lot of things you have to take into consideration when you make a decision on picking a team. Some players bring things to the table, other players bring other things to the table.
“You have fitness, tiredness, freshness, there’s tactics, there’s personality and character within that.
“It seems like it is a big decision but really, between us and me personally, it wasn’t.
“You can ask Cristiano, the way he responded was perfection really. Around the dressing room he was incredible, he supported the players.
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“I went in to do my half-time team talk and he was warming up 10 minutes in advance ready to come on in the second half. I think a lot can be made of it and spinning it in a negative way but behind the scenes the reality is very different.”
Ronaldo came on in the 64th minute at Stamford Bridge for goalscorer Jadon Sancho but went straight down the tunnel at full-time in the 1-1 draw.
Rangnick will be in the stands for the game with Arsenal having been given a tour of Old Trafford by Football Director John Murtough on Wednesday.
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