Ronaldo's place in Man Utd leadership group reassessed amid "problem" claims

The idea that the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United has become a "problem" to the club has been dismissed by the Portuguese's former Old Trafford teammate Mikael Silvestre.

Ronaldo's return to United from Real Madrid was met with much fanfare in the summer, with the Red Devils seemingly beating rivals Manchester City to the signing of the 36-year-old.

Amid a wave of Ronaldo nostalgia, the forward scored twice on his second debut for the club in a 4-1 win over Newcastle United, and for a brief period it looked as though he could be the spark that would drag Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side towards a longed-for title challenge.

However, damaging results such as the home losses to rivals Liverpool and Manchester City - 5-0 in the former and 2-0 in the latter, although the visitors dominated on both occasions - ultimately made Solskjaer's job untenable, and since the club legend was replaced by interim boss Ralf Rangnick there have been suggestions that Ronaldo simply isn't suited to the German's style of play.

Rangnick wants his team to press high and work hard out of possession, something that Ronaldo simply isn't comfortable doing in the latter years of his storied career.

But Silvestre - who played with the Portuguese for five seasons at United between 2003 and 2008 - thinks that there is no way Ronaldo would be a problem to the new boss, and would instead take on a leadership role within the group.

"This comment about him being a problem is absolute rubbish. Look at the ratio of goals scored; chances created since the start of the season," Silvestre told Daily Star Sport via Freebets.com.

"He wants to help, wants to win trophies. He didn't come to United to relax pre-retirement, it's an even a bigger challenge than what he faced at his previous clubs.

"He left United after winning the Ballon D'or, winning the Premier League and being a top player.

"He knew there would be questions asked of him and what he can bring but he's a leader.

"He doesn't wear the armband, but he shows the way, and everything has been positive in what he's done."

Ronaldo scored the winner from the penalty spot in the club's last match, a 1-0 win at Norwich which has been followed by two postponed matches at Brentford and at home to Brighton following a coronavirus outbreak at the club.

With the outbreak now under control, United are confident that they will be able to fulfil their next fixture away at Newcastle United on December 27.