Marcus Rashford hits out over journalist's claims Cristiano Ronaldo is undermining Man Utd dressing room unity

Marcus Rashford has hit out at claims that he is among a group of Manchester United players "irritated” by Cristiano Ronaldo's attempts to lead the dressing room with his own clique.

Ronaldo, who had been on a six-game run without scoring, ended his goal drought in emphatic style with a stunning opener in Manchester United 2-0 midweek win over Brighton at Old Trafford, lifting them up to fourth in the Premier League table.

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Leading German journalist Christian Falk posted on social media on Wednesday that there is "a risk of a split in the team" with Rashford, Harry Maguire taking exception to Ronaldo's behaviour.

But Rashford dismissed the claims in a written post on Twitter.

He wrote: "Are we just making it up as we go along now then?".

"Please stop looking for divides."

Rangnick: Ronaldo goal 'amazing'

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Ronaldo had been on his longest run without a goal in 13 years prior to his strike against Brighton.

The Portuguese picked up the ball and drove at the Brighton defence before unleashing a powerful shot to help United on the way to a much-needed three points.

"It was an amazing goal," was United interim manager Ralf Rangnick's response.

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"Not only an important one but an amazing one. Overall it was also a good performance from Cristiano. Energetically he was always trying to help his team-mates.

"I think in the last weeks, definitely it was the best performance by him, and a very, very important goal for us."

What's next for Man Utd?

Manchester United travel to Elland Road to face Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United live on Sky Sports this Sunday. Kick-off is at 2pm.

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