Manchester United’s problems haven’t been solved under Ralf Rangnick yet. Since taking charge, Rangnick has only won two of his four matches, dropping points against Newcastle United and Young Boys.
Manchester United’s Problems Continue Under Ralf Rangnick
Ralf Rangnick Not Showing Many Improvements
After a terrible run of form, Manchester United decided to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in late November. Many managers were raised as candidates including Mauricio Pochettino and Brendan Rodgers. However, Manchester United decided that they didn’t want to appoint a full-time manager until the next season. This meant Ralf Rangnick would be appointed as temporary manager until the end of the season. Rangnick’s arrival in Manchester wasn’t ideal and due to self-isolation, the club needed Michael Carrick to take over as interim manager before Rangnick’s arrival.
Michael Carrick exceeded expectations as interim manager. He gave Manchester United a much-needed win against Villarreal in the Champions League as well as beating fierce rivals Arsenal too. Carrick even managed to salvage a point against Chelsea away from home. However, the team looks as if it has taken a slight dip under Rangnick.
Players Unable To Perform At Required Level
Ralf Rangnick demands a very high work-rate from his players. His teams have always been drilled to press the opposition and win the ball back. However, many Manchester United players are simply unwilling to play this way. They are not comfortable playing with this system and Rangnick doesn’t seem comfortable with changing it. Rangnick has had to look to his bench and replace certain players who he felt weren’t good enough for his play style and has completely changed Manchester United’s defence, after making Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles first-team regulars.
After taking charge of Manchester United, Rangnick also brought in his own coaching staff. Many of the United players were training with the previous coaches for years and it may take a while for them to adjust to this new team.
Will Manchester United Make Top 4?
After poor performances against teams in the relegation zone like Norwich City and Newcastle United, Rangnick will need to get his team playing if there is any hope of getting a Champions League spot. Arsenal seem to have found a good run of form under Mikel Arteta. However, the Gunners will have to take on Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in January. With certain players also leaving for AFCON, we will get a better indication of Arsenal’s chances of securing a top four spot.
Meanwhile, Tottenham haven’t been perfect under Antonio Conte. They have only won one of their last three league games and dropped points to a 10-man Southampton side.
Taking these factors into account, it would be unfair to say Manchester United won’t make the top four, but they’ll certainly have their work cut out.
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