Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Ralf Rangnick insists Man Utd are still attractive proposition; promises ‘whole new approach’

Man Utd interim boss Ralf Rangnick

Ralf Rangnick insists Manchester United remain an interesting option for new players next season and promised a new approach under Erik ten Hag.

The United interim boss has not been able to improve results at Old Trafford. The German coach has a record of 1.52 points per game from his 25 matches in charge. It’s a return which will see the 63-year-old move into a two-year consultancy role at the end of the season.

Rangnick was open to taking the job on a full-time basis, he admitted as much when he took over in November. But he was not offered the chance to stay on as manager and Erik ten Hag has now agreed a deal to take over in the summer.

The former RB Leipzig coach has overseen three defeats in their last four Premier League matches. And he admits that morale has been hit.

“Obviously, if results are not going well and we lost three of the last four games, the morale, energy in the locker room isn’t as good as it would be,” said Rangnick ahead of Thursday’s date with Chelsea.

“Still we have to perform, this is what we’re getting paid for. It’s important for the players, knowing the new manager, to show we are able to beat a team like Chelsea.

“This is our job, this is what everyone has to do and this is what we have been working for.”

Rangnick insists that United are still an attractive proposition for signings, despite them looking likely to miss out on Champions League qualification.

“Of course, it would be better if we played Champions League next season but this also affects other clubs, it’s not only a problem Manchester United has.

“The renewal of the contract of Bruno shows this is an attractive club, with a new manager, new approach.

 

“This is still a massively interesting club and I look forward to helping Erik and everyone at the club to get the best and change the whole approach next season so Manchester United can be a top club,” added Rangnick.

Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho and Fred will be among a swathe of Manchester United absentees against Chelsea.

Saturday lunchtime’s 3-1 loss at Arsenal all but ended the Red Devils’ hopes of securing Champions League qualification.

Rangnick has injury problems

Chelsea arrive in the Premier League on Thursday evening. And United will be without a number of players, with Rangnick confirming Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho and Fred are out.

Rangnick said: “Fred is unfortunately not yet available. He tried to train yesterday. But afterwards I had a long conversation with him and he just told me that he doesn’t feel fully fit. He’s not at 100 per cent.

“With a player like Fred, who is always committed to give his very best, I don’t think it make sense with a muscular injury that he had to play him too early because that would mean we take the risk of a reinjury and this is something I don’t want to do.

“So, he won’t be available unfortunately tomorrow. And apart from that we have Harry Maguire, who is not available tomorrow.

“He has some issues with his knee, not a big thing. Some niggle in his knee but he hasn’t been training yesterday or today so he won’t be available.

“Paul (Pogba) obviously, Fred, Edinson (Cavani), Luke Shaw and Jadon is ill. He has had tonsillitis since yesterday, couldn’t train today and will also not be available tomorrow.”

READ MORE: Manchester United outcast will get ‘lifeline’ in new Erik ten Hag regime