Cristiano’s pressing issue a ‘myth’
CARRICK: ICON CAN HANDLE IT
CRISTIANO RONALDO will dispel the “myth” that he cannot play in a pressing team, according to Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick.
Incoming United interim boss Ralf Rangnick bases his teams around a highintensity pressing style, which many believe could see Ronaldo lose his status as an automatic pick.
Ronaldo recently came bottom of a table for pressing statistics among forwards in the Premier League.
But Carrick, who will remain in charge for tonight’s visit of Arsenal while Rangnick’s visa issues remain unresolved, said it is a fallacy that Ronaldo cannot press opponents.
Carrick said: “Maybe it is a myth. He’s played in enough teams, being successful, to play in a variety of ways and kept scoring goals for every team. I’m sure he’ll continue to score goals, there’s no doubt about that.”
Carrick surprisingly left Ronaldo out of United’s starting line-up for Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea, his second game as caretaker boss.
However Carrick insisted Ronaldo had no issue with the decision.
“There are a lot of things you have to take into consideration when you pick a team,” said Carrick.
“Some players bring things to the table, other players bring other things. You have fitness, tiredness, freshness, there’s tactics, there’s personality and character.
“It seems like it’s a big decision but really, between us and me personally, it wasn’t.You can ask Cristiano, the way he responded was perfect, really.
“Around the dressing room he was incredible, he supported the players.
“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.”
Reflecting on his brief spell in charge, which could extend to Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace if Rangnick’s visa is not sorted, Carrick said it had been a challenge. “It certainly hasn’t put me off, no,” he said.
“But at the same point I’m not suddenly desperate to become a manager.
“I’m realistic and the experience has definitely helped me. You have to go through it to learn from it. I’ve certainly learned throughout this week.”
MAN UTD (probable): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo. ARSENAL (probable): Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Partey, Lokonga; Odegaard, Smith-Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette.