Man Utd in 'obvious' need of young striker, says Rangnick

Ronaldo, 37, and Cavani, who turns 35 on February 14, are currently United's primary attacking options, with Anthony Martial on loan and Mason Greenwood unavailable for selection.

Published : Feb 12, 2022 12:03 IST

 Ralf Rangnick looks on as he leaves the pitch for the half-time break during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor on February 08, 2022.
Ralf Rangnick looks on as he leaves the pitch for the half-time break during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor on February 08, 2022.
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Ralf Rangnick looks on as he leaves the pitch for the half-time break during the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor on February 08, 2022.

Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick said the club is in "obvious" need of a young striker with the attacking duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani both in the twilight years of their careers.

Ronaldo, 37, and Cavani, who turns 35 on February 14, are currently United's primary attacking options, with Anthony Martial on loan and Mason Greenwood unavailable for selection.

United has struggled to make the most of its attacking opportunities in recent weeks, crashing out of the FA Cup on penalties against Middlesbrough following a 1-1 draw in which it had 30 shots at goal.

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The Manchester club then amassed 22 further efforts on goal against Burnley in another 1-1 draw on Tuesday.

"This is obvious," Rangnick told reporters on Friday when asked about whether the club will be looking to sign a younger forward for the coming season. "Edinson's contract is running out in the summer and the club needs the best possible centre forward.

"This is a obvious one and I think everyone is aware of that."

Rangnick also played down Ronaldo's reaction to United's midweek draw with Burnley, after the Portuguese international walked off at the final whistle without acknowledging the travelling fans.

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"This is a question you will have to ask Cristiano, I only realised that after the game, or saw it after the game," Rangnick said. "This is not a question I can answer.

"Cristiano, as we all know, is 37 and I think he knows himself what he should do or should not do and also what he has to do.

"Why he didn't do it and why he left the pitch directly after the full-time whistle was perhaps because he was also disappointed that we only got a draw and that he or the team couldn't score."

United is sixth in the league standings on 39 points, 11 ahead of 10th-placed Southampton, which it hosts on Saturday.

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