Former Juventus Manager Reveals Cristiano Ronaldo’s Best Position Amid Current Struggles

• Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo's preferred position following his struggles at Manchester United
• The 37-year-old has been played in a central striking role at Manchester United under German coach Ralf Ragnick
• Cristiano Ronaldo missed the Manchester derby as the Red Devils were thumped by their rivals on Sunday

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri says Cristiano Ronaldo is more prolific when he plays on the flanks following struggles to score goals under Manchester United's interim manager Ralf Ragnick.

The German trainer prefers to play the 37-year-old in a more central role and Ronaldo has netted only one goal in 2022.

Sarri, who was speaking to Sky Italia disclosed that Ronaldo does not like the idea of playing as the target man.

"Cristiano scored more Serie A goals in his season with me than any other," he said as quoted by Manchester Evening News.

Heavyweight broadcaster Robert Marawa, the voice of sports media in South Africa, celebrates 49th birthday

Boxing

"He was prepared to play centre-forward in a few games when we had an emergency situation, but he didn’t much like the idea of doing it regularly. In those situations, you end up challenging the certainties that the player has.

"Ronaldo scored 35-40 goals per season by starting from that wider position, so for him, it was an almost absurd request. That is understandable for the way he plays."

Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United in the summer transfer window and has scored 15 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions.

Under Sarri, Ronaldo had one of his most prolific goal scoring season, finishing as top scorer in the serie A.

Manchester United manager Ralf Ragnick explains Ronaldo's absence in derby defeat

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Man United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has opened up about Cristiano Ronaldo's conspicuous absence during the Manchester derby on Sunday, March 6.

Manchester United top managerial target enrolls for English classes ahead of new role in Premier League

Football

Ronaldo was among at least four key players who failed to show up at The Lowry Hotel hours before United's Premier League meeting with City at the Etihad Stadium.

Metro UK reports United's 21-man squad reported to The Lowry Hotel on the eve of the clash but the five-time Ballon d'Or was conspicuously absent from the squad.

Manchester United hammered in derby

Man City have been handed a huge boost in their push to retain the Premier League title after they secured a 4-1 win over rivals Man United during an epic Manchester derby staged at Etihad Stadium.

The Sunday, March 6, encounter was arguably the biggest in the English top-flight during the weekend as it had a big bearing on the title race and the top four battle.

However, it was City who eventually emerged victors, with Pep Guardiola's charges sweeping United aside in front of their home fans.