Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick could already have a solution to worrying statistics about Cristiano Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood’s attacking partnership. As fan favourites at the opposite end of their careers, much has been expected of the youngster and the veteran, but they are yet to deliver as a duo this campaign.
Greenwood looked to be on the verge of a stellar season when he bagged in each of United’s first three Premier League games.
But he has only scored once in 11 league appearances since, even with a great like Ronaldo often by his side.
Indeed, since the Portuguese’s summer arrival from Juventus, his 14-goal haul has impressed many, but it has also taken opportunities away from the Red Devils’ other stars.
While the stats suggest that Greenwood is one of those losing out on an individual level, the pairing are yet to find their groove as a partnership either.
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Despite the disappointing results produced by Ronaldo and Greenwood as a partnership thus far, Rangnick may have discovered his in-house solution last time out.
Indeed, both players started against Burnley, but Edinson Cavani was thrown into the mix to partner Ronaldo while Greenwood was thrust out wide.
All of a sudden, completed passes between Ronaldo and Greenwood shot up to four, while the youngster and Cavani managed three.
Although the numbers are hardly groundbreaking, they are a significant improvement on the Newcastle game which should, in theory, have seen United scoring freely against the joint-worst defence in the league.
Since his arrival in the Premier League, Cavani has been lauded for his superb movement which creates chances for others as well as himself – something which could prove key in making the trigger-happy duo of Greenwood and Ronaldo click.
The Uruguayan has also demonstrated a solid on-field relationship with Greenwood, jumping to his defence amid a skirmish against Roma last season and appearing to help him tactically against Tottenham.
Despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reluctance to start Cavani at the beginning of the campaign, Rangnick seemingly recognises the 34-year-old’s importance and has vowed to try and fend off any January interest.
“I told him from the very first day that, for me, he is a highly important player. He is probably the only one who can play as a striker back to goal and face to goal,” he said.
“His professionalism, his work ethic is just amazing and I told him that I desperately want him to stay until the end of the season. He knows that.”
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