Ralf Rangnick 'tells Manchester United to replace Cristiano Ronaldo this summer'

Manchester United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has reportedly told the English giants to replace Cristiano Ronaldo during this summer's transfer window.

Ronaldo has scored 15 times in 30 appearances for the Red Devils this season following his return to the club, including six goals in six Champions League appearances.

The 37-year-old has only netted once in the Premier League since the end of December, though, and there have been claims that he is keen to leave the club ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Rangnick will step aside for the arrival of a new manager this summer, with the German set to take on a two-year consultancy role at Old Trafford.

The current interim head coach will allegedly have a say on which players the club target, and according to Manchester Evening News, Rangnick has urged the Red Devils to sign a new centre-forward, as he believes that Ronaldo is a fading force at the highest level.

The Portugal international was absent against Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend with a hip flexor issue and is allegedly yet to train with his teammates ahead of Saturday's clash with Tottenham Hotspur, which will be key to his side's hopes of a top-four finish this term.

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski has reportedly emerged as a leading target for Man United, with the Poland international entering the final 18 months of his contract at Allianz Arena.