Ralf Rangnick sees Cristiano Ronaldo as a fading force and believes Manchester United need a new man to lead their attack, according to reports.
The German took interim charge at Old Trafford back in December and is due to take up a consultancy role from the summer.
He is set to remain an influential figure as he offers his opinion on the current squad as well as recruitment.
That may not bode well for Ronaldo, who only returned to Manchester in the summer, with opinions mixed on his impact.
The 37-year-old remains the club's top scorer but the way in which he has altered the team's style coupled with his conduct and personality has left Rangnick doubting his long-term suitability.
Ronaldo's return was only ever going to be a short-term solution given his age. United also have Edinson Cavani due to leave in the summer whilst there are doubts over Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
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The MEN reports that Rangnick wants a new man to lead the club's frontline from next season.
Ronaldo is understood to have considered the possibility of a move away in the summer amid talks with agent Jorge Mendes.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was absent for Sunday's Manchester derby defeat and jetted off to Portugal.
Players who are unavailable for games rarely travel with the squad so Ronaldo's failure to attend the Etihad was nothing out of the ordinary.
Rangnick has clashed with his No 7 during his short tenure. The forward was not impressed with the German's decision to bring him off in the win over Brentford.
Ronaldo lamented the call and made his feelings known on the bench before the interim boss had to come over and explain his decision.
He said after: "I don't blame him for that but obviously any manager would wish it shouldn't be too emotional and also in front of the TV cameras I don't think this will be for the benefit of anyone: not to his benefit or teammates.
"It's an emotional game and players are emotional and I didn’t take it personally at all. It's a team sport and for us, it's important for us that we get the most out of each game, the maximum point."
There has also been speculation that Ronaldo and Harry Maguire, the current club captain, are not seeing eye to eye.
The former Leicester City man has struggled for form but has no plans to let go of the armband whilst he is also unimpressed by some of the responsibility taken on by Ronaldo.
