Ralf Rangnick believes that Manchester United need to sign up to three new strikers this summer, but would not be drawn on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are set for another comprehensive reset at the end of a dismal campaign, with Erik ten Hag leaving Ajax to take over the managerial reins after being preferred to Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Interim boss Rangnick is also set to remain as planned in a consultancy role, which he is set to combine with duties as the new head coach of the Austrian national team.
United will require major surgery in the transfer market once Ten Hag is on board, with a drastic squad overhaul required to address problems all over the pitch and the likes of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata all expected to depart.
Ronaldo has been the saviour for United on several occasions since his sensational return to the club last summer, though there remains a debate over the 37-year-old’s future in such a rebuild.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has another year remaining on his contract, though Rangnick said it is up to Ten Hag to make a decision on Ronaldo as he stressed the need for United to significantly strengthen their forward department for next season regardless.
“This is a question you need to ask Erik ten Hag,” Rangnick told Sky Sports of Ronaldo ahead of Monday night’s Premier League visit of Brentford. “He’s showed that he can still be a vital part of this team, but it’s obvious the team needs some more strikers. There should be two or three new strikers next season, it’s pretty obvious.”
Rangnick has still yet to speak to Ten Hag since the Dutchman was last month confirmed as United’s fifth permanent manager since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
However, he is expecting to sit down with his successor once the respective English and Dutch seasons have concluded, with United now embroiled in a fierce fight just to make the top six and Ajax on track for another Eredivisie title but denied a potential double following defeat by rivals PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Cup Final.
Rangnick said: "I'm pretty sure he's got my phone number! He's got another couple of games to play with Ajax, we have another three games to play here. Whenever he wants to speak with me and exchange our opinions, I'm more than happy to do that."
