London (AFP) – Ralf Rangnick has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to supply one other decisive show in Manchester United’s Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid simply three days after his very good hat-trick in opposition to Tottenham.
Rangnick’s aspect host the Spanish champions within the second leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday after a 1-1 attract Madrid final month.
United are bidding to succeed in the Champions League quarter-finals for simply the third time because the retirement in 2013 of Alex Ferguson, who gained the trophy twice throughout his spell as supervisor of the membership.
Ronaldo might be key to United’s hopes of progressing after the Portugal striker silenced his critics in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Tottenham.
The 37-year-old’s treble got here after a dismal run of 1 objective in 10 video games, which raised questions on his future at Previous Trafford, with options he was sad with the membership’s course underneath interim boss Rangnick.
Ronaldo has solely 72 hours to get well from his exertions in opposition to Tottenham, however Rangnick is assured he’ll nonetheless be capable of ship a stand-out efficiency with a lot at stake.
“Nicely, I’m not frightened that he has not been in a position to get well,” Rangnick stated on Monday. “Thus far he’s all the time been an individual who seems rather a lot after himself, his physique and he precisely is aware of what to do, so I’m not frightened about that.
“If he can rating one other three targets, we are going to see. I imply, it’s not really easy to attain three targets in opposition to this group in any respect.
“I believe his total efficiency was simply good, if not even superb and that is clearly what we hope to get from him once more tomorrow evening. Nevertheless it’s not nearly Cristiano, it’s about the entire group.”
Ronaldo was usually a thorn within the aspect of Atletico when he performed for Actual Madrid and his heroics in opposition to Tottenham can have given Diego Simeone’s aspect extra trigger for concern.
Rangnick believes his star striker has underlined why he stays so feared by defenders throughout Europe.
“I simply suppose he confirmed what sort of skilled participant he’s, what sort of degree he can nonetheless play,” stated the German.
“For us it’s necessary with performances just like the one which he confirmed, he’s nonetheless an important participant on this group. He could make the distinction.”
Atletico might be trying to their very own in-form Portuguese striker, with Joao Felix coming into the sport on the again of 5 targets in his final 5 matches.
The 22-year-old Felix has struggled for consistency since becoming a member of from Benfica for 126 million euros in 2019.
“Joao is doing what the group wants him to do,” stated Simeone. “He’s doing very properly, he’s glad, enthusiastic and that’s crucial for him individually as a result of it then permits him to contribute collectively, which is what issues.”
Atletico have picked up as properly just lately, after registering three consecutive wins in La Liga because the draw with United, after they conceded late to an Anthony Elanga strike on the Wanda Metropolitano.
“Given the groups I’m anticipating a match that can ebb and stream,” Simeone stated. “We might be on prime and we might be on the again foot. We’ll should capitalise on any errors they make.”
United, struggling to complete within the prime 4 of the Premier League, haven’t gained the Champions League since 2008 however Rangnick isn’t wanting that far forward simply but.
“We need to attempt every part we probably can and hopefully be within the final eight,” he stated. “However even when we try this, there are different good groups within the competitors.
United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is accessible after testing unfavorable for coronavirus having been dominated out on Saturday. Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw are additionally in competition after accidents.
Atletico have quite a few damage considerations. Thomas Lemar, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Mario Hermoso and Sime Vrsaljko might all miss out.
