Steffen Effenberg has defended Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick who he believes has to "deal with many problems."
The German footballing legend also believes it is "more difficult" for Cristiano Ronaldo to perform at his peak at 37 amid the ongoing criticism of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner for his performances at Old Trafford. Rangnick has been tasked with taking United to the conclusion of the season and ensuring Champions League qualification for next term after replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
And, amid criticism of Rangnick given United's patchy form, Effenberg has leapt to the defence of his fellow countryman. He believes inherited a number of problems when taking the temporary position after Solskjaer's dismissal.
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He told German outlet Sport Buzzer : "First of all: It can't be a coincidence that a world club that is in such a good financial position hasn't won an important title for years.
"Mistakes have been made, wrong decisions have been taken. Despite all the problems and the great competition, the club’s and the fans’ self-image still includes going far in the Champions League and finishing at least in the top four in the league.
"This is not an easy task for Rangnick, who has to deal with many problems. [ Cristiano Ronaldo ] that’s another Rangnick construction site. For United fans, Ronaldo is untouchable for life because he has done incredible things for the club.
"In purely sporting terms, for all the class that still exists, he is past his zenith. A goalkeeper or defender at 37 can perhaps still consistently deliver at that level. As a striker, that is much more difficult nowadays, almost impossible."
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