Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick will be "adapting his tactics" to accommodate Cristiano Ronaldo in his plans, former United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed.
The former Reds centre-back made the admission ahead of United's UEFA Champions League clash with Young Boys at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.
Following Rangnick's appointment as United's interim boss just over a week ago, there were fears from some supporters, plus pundits, that Ronaldo, who returned to the club during the summer transfer window, would not be central to the German's thinking, with some suggesting that he would be too old to carry out the strict pressing duties that Rangnick likes his players to fulfil.
However, Ronaldo was named in Rangnick's first starting line-up against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon and showed no trouble in fulfilling the blueprint set by the German, as he continuously chased down lost causes and looked to force the visitors' defenders into mistakes.
For Ferdinand, Rangnick's experience of working with legendary Spain striker Raul during his time at German outfit Schalke will make life easier for him when trying to ensure Ronaldo remains a key part of his plans moving forward.
Ferdinand told BT Sport : "He'll be adapting his tactics to suit a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Don't forget that at Schalke he had another superstar in Raul, who was another ageing superstar, and he adapted things to make sure he could accommodate a player of that calibre and class."
Although, at the time of writing, United have won their first game under Rangnick, Ferdinand has stressed the importance of everyone remaining grounded, despite the 63-year-old's encouraging and promising start to life at the club.
"We won't get carried away, it's been one game and maybe a training session," Ferdinand added.
"But there were noticeable differences and changes to the team, the structure of it, the way they pressed as a team - that's the important point."
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