Rangnick says he 'has to adapt' to Ronaldo at Man United, not other way round

The German was introduced to the media on Friday after formally taking over at Old Trafford, ahead of his first match against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

He has replaced Michael Carrick as the interim boss in the dugout, with the former United midfielder announcing his departure from the club after steering them to a 3-2 victory over Arsenal, where Ronaldo once again saved the day with two goals.

Rangnick has a big task in getting the Red Devils back into the top four and helping them compete for trophies this term, but after witnessing Ronaldo in action on Thursday, he's in no doubt he'll have a big part to play under his stewardship, despite claims he wouldn't suit the coach's style.

He said: "Having watched him last night, especially in the second half he made the difference. At his age I have never seen a player who is that physically fit.

"What I saw from Cristiano yesterday, he is more than willing to put himself out there for the team.

"It's not only the players who have to adapt, the team has to adapt to the players too."

Rangnick wants to build a more defensively solid team, having expressed his concerns about his side's frailties at the back.

"I have watched the latest games, Watford, Chelsea, Arsenal, and I also watched on TV the games against Liverpool and Manchester City," he revealed.

"I am well acquainted. It's pretty obvious the team has an abundance of young, talented players and experienced players. The major target for me is to bring more balance into the team. Even yesterday we conceded two and needed three to win. We concede on average two a game and this is too much.

"I want to bring more balance and more control. Yesterday's game, for me as the future coach, they are not the games you need. I will try and bring these outstanding, talented players away from their own goal."

Rangnick's deal as interim manager will run to the end of the season, but he says he has not considered replacing the sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent basis.

He added: "If we do well and we stabilise, I might even recommend that we keep working with me. This is all hypothetical, we cannot speak about that."

On Michael Carrick, who bridged the gap between Solskjaer and Rangnick but chose to leave the club on Thursday, Rangnick said: "I had a conversation with Michael for more than an hour and tried to convince him, but he needed a break and I understand his decision.

"I am more than happy to work with the current staff because I need their expertise on the current squad. I will try and find one, two, maybe three people to help us."