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Rangnick explains why he is starting Edinson Cavani over Cristiano Ronaldo

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Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has explained why he is starting Edinson Cavani instead of Cristiano Ronaldo against Burnley.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s clash at Turf Moor, Rangnick said: “Today it will require a lot of sprinting, chasing balls, a lot of fighting for second balls.

“This best fits the profile of Edinson Cavani which is why he starts today.”

Burnley v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

With no goals in his last four games and yet to get off the mark in 2022, Rangnick isn’t concerned by Ronaldo’s goal drought.

Rangnick added: “I am not worried about Cristiano not getting enough goals, we have a couple of games coming up and we will need him to start.”

It’s only the third time since re-joining Manchester United that Ronaldo starts on the bench.

But seven games across 22 days may have also been a factor in the German’s thinking.

Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

You can see our starting line-up here.

Paul Pogba is starting his second game in five days after making his comeback from a thigh injury against Middlesbrough on Friday.

Speaking about Pogba’s inclusion, Rangnick said; “Fred tested positive [Covid-19] so it was clear he [Pogba] will play from the start.”