Rangnick's challenge to Ronaldo and forwards as new Man Utd takes shape

Ralf Rangnick has challenged Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United 's forwards to make more of an impact out of possession despite the Red Devils keeping two successive Premier League clean sheets for the first time since March.

The United manager has overseen back-to-back 1-0 wins in the top flight but was unhappy with their latest opponents, Norwich City, being allowed 11 attempts on goal during Saturday's hard-fought victory.

Ronaldo scored the winner from the penalty spot in the match but boss Rangnick, who is in charge at Old Trafford under the end of the season, has challenged the front line to do more.

"It is not only the back four or the two sixes or the goalkeeper, the whole team has to defend in unison, together as a team," the acclaimed German coach stated on Saturday.

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"It is about taking next steps. It is easier to take those steps if you are winning games.

"It was the third consecutive win in this season and the second clean sheet. Those are the things we can build up upon.

"In defence, the full-backs, centre-backs and two sixes did extremely well. Now we have to try and raise the level we play against the ball up front."

Ronaldo's defensive contribution (or lack there of) has been a burning topic since his return to Old Trafford in August, with former caretaker manager Michael Carrick fighting his corner, labelling criticism that the 36-year-old cannot press a "myth."

Ex-Red Devils midfielder Paul Ince recently told Mirror Football that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would be "knackered" if he pressed but believes Rangnick and Ronaldo will find a solution.

"We need to get away from this 'Ronaldo pressing here, Ronaldo pressing there'," Ince stated. "Ronaldo is 36 years of age, he still has a great physique but you can't ask him to press from one centre-half to another.

"If he did that when he gets the ball, he would be too knackered to do anything."

The player-turned-pundit added: "Yes, Rangnick has a pressing philosophy that he's used wherever he has been.

"But he now has the best player in the world. Ronaldo doesn't want to spend 90 minutes pressing.

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"They need to find a solution where they press as a team and when they win it, they get it to Ronaldo's feet and let him do what he wants to do.

"If you ask Ronaldo to press for five or ten yards, he will do that. If you ask him to press 20, 30 yards, that's not for him, unfortunately.

"They will work together, they're gonna have to work together. What we saw against Palace is that Ronaldo is prepared to take on board what Rangnick wants.

"But he also understands that Ronaldo is 36 and he can't be pressing all the time. They'll figure it out."