Cristiano Ronaldo asked Manchester United's interim manager Ralf Rangnick to consider a tactical change amid struggling league form, but had his idea batted away.
The Athletic has reported that Ronaldo was part of a group of players who approached Rangnick at United's training ground in February this year. The 37-year-old wanted to partner Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani in a robust front pair which would have added some fight to United's challenge.
However, Ronaldo's pleas fell on deaf ears with United finishing the season in sixth while Rangnick left his interim manager role and ditched plans to become a consultant at the club this season.
Ronaldo did not shy away from letting Rangnick know his feelings about how he would like to play in a strike partnership at United rather than as a lone number nine. The Portuguese international drew up the formation he would like to play and also revealed that he wanted to start alongside six foot striker Cavani.
The report helps shed light on the discontent around Old Trafford during a disappointing season for the club.
Despite his discontent and playing in an unfavoured formation, Ronaldo went on to score 18 goals in 30 appearances during his first season back with United.
Meanwhile, his favoured strike partner Cavani played just 15 times, scoring twice, the first of those goals assisted by Ronaldo. At the end of his two-year contract the Uruguayan left in the summer to join Valencia.
Ronaldo had hoped to follow Cavani out of the Old Trafford exit door but with just a day left of the transfer window this looks unlikely due to a lack of interested parties who can afford his wages.
The Portuguese forward was dropped to the bench for United's 2-1 win against Liverpool and victory at Southampton. His chances of regaining a starting place have also been hindered by the signing of Ajax forward Antony for a fee of up to £85.5million.
