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Cristiano Ronaldo has told his Manchester United teammates it'd be unacceptable to come below third in the Premier League this season and supporters are loving his mentality.
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United sit seventh in the Premier League and it's been a tough campaign, having sacked club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.
Ralf Rangnick was appointed as his replacement on an interim basis and Ronaldo has called for a change in mentality in a new interview with Sky Sports.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner explained: “Manchester United should win the league or be second or third. I don’t see any other position for Manchester United to be honest.
"I don't accept less than the top three."
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 12, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo says that #MUFC should not accept anything less than a top three finish in the Premier League this season. pic.twitter.com/A54QAmHqMK
"In my heart, I don’t accept that our mentality be less than being in the top three in the Premier League, in my opinion. We are capable to change things now."
Fans have reacted to Ronaldo's comments and they believe no other footballer has a mindset like his.
One commented: "Some people think this guy is the problem?"
Another said: "This guy should be our captain."
A third put: "But people will put all the blame on Ronaldo even though he is the only passionate, ambitious player at the club who plays for the badge."
Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford from Juventus in the summer and personally, he's had a solid campaign.
The 36-year-old has scored 14 goals in 22 appearances and vital strikes in the Champions League helped United qualify for the last 16.
However, they're currently six points outside the top four after being tipped to challenge for the title in the summer.
Dressing room leaks have caused controversy in recent weeks and up to 17 players are said to be unhappy.
Ronaldo continued: "What I can say is that we can do better. All of us. I don’t want to be here in the club to fight to be in sixth or seventh place. I am here to try to win, to compete. I believe if we change our mind we can achieve big things."
Rangnick has attempted to change United's style of play in terms of their pressing, but aside from a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in December they haven't looked convincing.
He's got the public backing of Ronaldo, who thinks the former RB Leipzig coach needs more time to implement his ideas.
The Portugal captain added: “He arrived here five weeks ago.
"He changed many things but he needs time to put his ideas through the players and on the pitch.
"It takes time but I believe that he is going to do a good job.
"We know we don’t play the best football, as we should do, but we have many games to improve.
"Since he arrived I think in some points we are better, but he needs time.”
United return to action on Saturday against Aston Villa, who they defeated 1-0 in the FA Cup on Monday evening.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports News
Topics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Premier League