‘Storm brewing’ - Cristiano Ronaldo and Ralf Rangnick Manchester United ‘fracture is total’

The “fracture” between Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick and veteran talisman Cristiano Ronaldo has become “total”, according to Spanish outlet AS.

According to a report from the continental title, the pair do not see eye to eye, with the Portuguese star one of several “heavyweights” in United’s squad who have already lost faith in the German.

It is understood that Ronaldo does not believe the 63-year-old has the necessary quality to remain in the dugout at Old Trafford, and the two are said to have a “bad relationship”.

But while AS suggest that the player’s intention to stay in England is unwavering, there are seemingly doubts over Rangnick’s future in Manchester.

As things stand, the arrangement between the interim boss and United will see him step aside at the end of the campaign to assume a directorial role.

After a recent string of underwhelming results, however, it is claimed that Rangnick’s future could end up looking “very different”.

All in all, AS sum up United’s tumultuous ongoing situation by suggesting that a “storm is brewing” in the red half of Manchester.

What has Rangnick said about Ronaldo?

It is also understood that Rangnick’s relationship with Ronaldo was soured further in the aftermath of his recent comments on the 37-year-old’s ongoing goal-scoring drought.

The Portuguese icon has now gone six games without a goal - his longest barren spell in a decade.

Speaking to the press after United’s shock FA Cup defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough, Rangnick said: “It’s not only about Cristiano Ronaldo.

“He should score more goals, it’s obvious.

“I think we are creating enough chances and enough opportunities in the last couple of games but we just didn’t score enough goals, but this is not only an issue with Cristiano, it’s an issue with the other players, especially the offensive players. We don’t score enough goals.”

How has Ronaldo fared during his first season back at Old Trafford?

After a relatively promising start to life back in Manchester, the goals have dried up for Ronaldo somewhat in recent weeks.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner struck three times in his first two matches, and has registered 14 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, but he hasn’t found the back of the net since December 30th, and even fired wide from the penalty spot during the FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.