5 Manchester United players who could be cast aside by Ralf Rangnick

#3 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka (left) in action against Watford City

While Aaron Wan-Bissaka isn't a lost cause by any means, Manchester United desperately need a wing-back to offer competition to the England defender.

Diogo Dalot is the only other viable option in the Red Devils' squad at the moment. But the Portuguese player is reportedly unhappy with his lack of playing time this season.

The main argument against Wan-Bissaka is that he is largely the same player that arrived from Crystal Palace for £50 million in June 2019. Excellent in slide tackles and blocks, it is his non-existent attacking output that is the real concern. Wan Bissaka's final ball and delivery into the box leave a lot to be desired.

The right-back has played nearly every minute for Manchester United this season, except when he was suspended in the Champions League. Rangnick might look to change the team's formation or rotate Wan-Bissaka, whose defensive positioning has also come under the scanner.

However, Manchester United fans can expect him to improve as time goes on, as Wan-Bissaka has the pace and strength to thrive in Rangnick's system.

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#2 Anthony Martial

Could Anthony Martial's time at Manchester United be coming to an end?

Anthony Martial's downfall at Manchester United has been disappointing and inexplicable. The Frenchman enjoyed an excellent 2019-20 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He was the club's top scorer with 23 strikes; he also provided 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.

At 25, Martial ought to be entering the peak of his powers. Instead, he has made 45 appearances since the start of the 2020-21 campaign, scoring just eight times and registering as many assists. While the numbers are poor, the real area of concern is how lethargic and stagnant Martial's performances have been.

It is no wonder that he has been unable to displace Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood or Edinson Cavani. The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho has only further reduced Martial's opportunities in the playing XI. The forward's low work rate, lack of movement and consistent failure to track back is unlikely to be tolerated by Ralf Rangnick.

Martial is unlikely to break into the playing XI, so Manchester United may have no choice but to sell the player. However, on Martial's current form, the club might struggle to even recover the £45 million they paid for his services.

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#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

What's next for Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United?

Despite reports claiming Cristiano Ronaldo was unhappy under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Norwegian's sacking has only complicated Ronaldo's situation at Manchester United.

On Sunday, the Portuguese superstar was benched for the Red Devils' crunch clash against rivals Chelsea. Could this be a sign of things to come?

Manchester United would be foolish to let go of Cristiano Ronaldo. Their Champions League campaign is proof of that. The Red Devils have already qualified for the Round of 16, and have secured top position in their group.

In reality, though, their performances have been deserving of an early elimination. Ronaldo, however, has single-handedly saved Manchester United's skin by scoring in all five of their Champions League games so far, with a total of six strikes. From late winners to last-ditch equalisers, he has done it all.

In the Premier League, though, Ronaldo has scored just once in his last eight games. The Portuguese star will be 37 in a few months, and his low work rate and lack of pressing are already well documented. Ralf Ragnick may choose to rotate and bench Ronaldo in favour of Rashford, Cavani or Greenwood down the middle.

Cristiano Ronaldo might not be as untouchable at United as he once was. The question is whether he would be willing to accept a reduced role.