MY ACCOUNT
Cristiano Ronaldo sent a pointed “We stand United!” message after helping Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils score a dramatic 4-2 win over old foes Leeds.
The Elland Road victory for Manchester United came at the end of a week when the unity within Rangnick’s dressing room has been called into question.
Suggestions of leaks from players to the press have seen criticism aimed at United stars, while it was even claimed Ronaldo and Harry Maguire are in a power struggle over the captaincy.
Interim head coach Rangnick shot down reports he was considering a mid-season change of skipper, saying defender Maguire would keep the job for the rest of the season. The German is in no position to make a longer-term pledge, given he is due to make way for a permanent boss once the campaign ends.
Maguire has also scoffed at the suggestion of such bickering in the squad. It was defender Maguire who headed United ahead in Sunday’s Premier League clash in Leeds, while he also won all five of his duels.
Ronaldo was substituted with five minutes remaining, and there was no discontent from the Portuguese at that decision, when in the past he has at times taken issue with being replaced.
The victory strengthens United’s hold on fourth place, and Ronaldo later declared: “Very important Premier League win before we change our focus to the Champions League and head to Madrid. Back on track! We stand United!”
The 37-year-old forward sent that message to his social media followers, who number 404 million on Instagram and 97.5 million on Twitter.
Ronaldo was not the only United player to celebrate with fans, as goalkeeper David de Gea told the United faithful in an Instagram post: “I guess you enjoyed as much as I did.”
Winger Jadon Sancho also reacted, declaring: “A game we had to win. We delivered together as a team. Have a nice evening Reds.”
Midfield general Paul Pogba savoured the occasion, and United’s attitude to being pegged back from 2-0 to 2-2, writing: “It’s not over until it’s over. Great team spirit today, massive three points.”
