Ralf Rangnick, the temporary manager of Manchester United, has not shied away from bringing significant issues to the notice of the club's supporters during his brief tenure at Old Trafford.

Rangnick has never been afraid to express his opinions, whether it was during his first press conference, when he immediately highlighted United's need for greater control in matches, or when he called out Anthony Martial for refusing to travel to Villa Park for the Premier League match against Aston Villa. There's no doubt that it's beneficial for United to have one of its employees speak out about the company's shortcomings.

The fact that United's center-forward alternatives aren't getting any younger is another issue that Rangnick has brought to light, despite the fact that it is obvious to anyone. When you add up the total ages of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, they are 72 years old.

Despite the fact that they have both had long, prosperous, and aesthetically pleasing careers, particularly the former, they are now in the sunset of their respective professions. Injured midfielder Cavani, who has made just 17 appearances in all competitions this season, is set to leave United at the end of his contract in June, and uncertainty surrounds Ronaldo's future at the club, particularly following United's Champions League elimination by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening.

The club, though, must bring in a new striker, regardless of what happens with Ronaldo's future this summer. The necessity to bring in a younger option was noted by United many moons ago, and it was something that Rangnick concurred with last month.

Rangnick responded to a question about whether United needed to bring in a younger striker by saying, "This is apparent." Edinson's contract will expire in the summer, and the club is in desperate need of a centre-forward of the highest quality.

"This one should go without saying. "I believe that everyone is aware of this."

The Manchester Evening News reported in March of last year that United had identified Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland as their favorite candidate to infuse new life into their frontline. It is unlikely that the Norwegian star, who is scheduled to depart the German giants this summer, will sign a contract with the club, with Manchester City and Real Madrid leading the race to recruit him.

United will be in a tight situation if they do not secure Haaland. With natural No.9s becoming increasingly rare, more and more clubs are opting for formations that favour a false nine, and he is often regarded as the most exciting striker in the world inside his age bracket.

The question is, who will be United's captain next season? As a result, Cristiano Ronaldo's long-term future at Old Trafford might play a crucial role in the Reds completing their summer business.

With 18 goals in all competitions this season, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is anticipated to continue as Manchester United's first-choice striker and leading marksman if he stays at Old Trafford. However, it will have a direct impact on anybody Manchester United brings in to compete with him in the future.

New manager Louis van Gaal's new formation with a front-two, which is another disappearing art in modern-day football, is unlikely to attract the likes of Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski, who have been linked with a move to Old Trafford recently. As a result, if Ronaldo stays, United will be on the lookout for forwards in the mold of Lyon's Moussa Dembele and Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak, both of whom would be content to serve as frequent substitutes and create competition for the Portuguese superstar.

As a result, Ronaldo's departure may be the only way for United to land the "greatest potential center-forward," as Rangnick described him as the club's most pressing need. There are advantages and disadvantages to keeping Ronaldo, just as there are with any decision - and you could go on and on about the advantages.

The Reds, on the other hand, have reached a point in their season where they must evaluate the long-term viability of the club in order to regain the position they desire. The Portuguese forward, despite his immense talent and age of 37, is approaching the conclusion of his professional career, and it would be appropriate for his playing days, which began under Sir Alex Ferguson, to come to a close in the place where his career was launched.

United, on the other hand, must consider their long-term strategy, and signing a world-class centre-forward who can establish himself as the face of their forward line for years to come is high on their priority list for the summer transfer window. While keeping Ronaldo will have a direct impact on the quality of striker they sign, it will also determine if they sign someone in the mold of Harry Kane or Ousmane Dembele, to give them their due respect.