Ralf Rangnick admits it is "a challenge" managing Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has conceded that it is "a challenge" managing Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal international was not involved in last weekend's Manchester derby with Manchester City due to a hip flexor problem, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future over the last week, with the attacker thought to be keen to leave Old Trafford this summer.

However, the 37-year-old came up with his best performance since returning to Man United on Saturday, scoring three times in a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Rangnick has lavished praise on the Portuguese for his display against Antonio Conte's side but also conceded that it is "a challenge" managing a player of his ilk.

"[Ronaldo] was also energetic today. He was part of the whole team when we had to defend, because we had to defend a lot. It was a top performance by him, but also by the rest of the team," Rangnick told Sky Sports News.

"I didn't expect him to score three goals, but I expected him to score. That's why I decided to play him. His training session was so good on Thursday that I decided to start him and not bring him from the bench. I spoke to him before training on Friday and he said his hip flexor was good enough to play.

"He can do it [get 70,000 people off their feet], but again he can also do it only with the team. A fantastic performance. It was not just the three goals today it was also he was part of the team when they were in possession of the ball."

"It's a challenge with a player like Ronaldo, but he showed today that he still has the quality to play for a club like Manchester United. He also has the quality to be part of the team, and if we want to be successful at the end of the season that's what we need."

Ronaldo has now scored 18 goals and registered three assists in 31 appearances for Man United since returning to Old Trafford from Juventus last summer.