Ralf Rangnick is optimistic Cristiano Ronaldo can inspire Manchester United to victory once again as they look to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the third time in ten years.

Ronaldo scored his second hat-trick for Manchester United in Saturday's thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham, amid ongoing rumors over his future at the club. Rangnick is said to have reservations about Ronaldo's future at United and has recommended the club to pursue a younger striker during the summer transfer window.

Ronaldo turned 37 last month, but has scored 18 goals in 31 appearances since rejoining United, all in the Premier League and Champions League.

Ronaldo scored hat-tricks against United's last 16 opponents, Atletico Madrid, as well as Real Madrid and Juventus in the Champions League knockout round, and Rangnick is sure Ronaldo can replicate his weekend match-winning exploits.

When asked if he was concerned about Ronaldo resuming three days after a hard encounter, Rangnick responded, "I'm not concerned that he hasn't recovered yet." He's always been a person who looks quite a lot after himself, his body, he understands exactly what to do. As a result, I'm not concerned.

"We'll see whether he can add another three goals. Three goals against this team is not simple at all. His total performance was excellent, and this is clearly what we are hoping for from him again tomorrow night."

United are level on aggregate with Atletico Madrid after a fortunate draw in the first leg, in which Rangnick used Victor Lindelof as an auxiliary right-back and went without an identifiable defensive midfielder. Atletico Madrid are missing right-backime Vrsaljko and winger Thomas Lemar in Manchester.

Ronaldo's performance against Tottenham was outstanding.

"However, it is not about Cristiano alone; it is about the team," Rangnick stressed. "We witnessed in the first half at Madrid what not to do and how not to play. That is what we discussed pre-match regarding tomorrow's game. We need to understand what it takes, and the rest is a matter of energy.

"It's critical, even more so against a side like Atletico, who don't mind the opposing team having the ball and have had less than 50% control of the ball in their last five games. Thus, we are conscious of this and must strive to avoid conceding at all costs, but it is critical for us to score the opening goal.

"On Saturday, we were the team that want victory; our supporters played a critical role in recognizing how much we desired victory, and tomorrow will be similar.

"That is a difficult thing for me to answer because there was a lot of talk prior to the game. He demonstrated his ability as a professional player and the level at which he can still compete. For us, it's critical performances like this one that demonstrate he's still a vital part of this club and capable of making a difference.

"Also, it would be beneficial for us if he replicated his performance against Tottenham tomorrow." 

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