Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Rangnick allays fears after addressing Fernandes car crash; defers to Man Utd on Ten Hag issue

Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick alongside Bruno Fernandes

Ralf Rangnick provided a wholly encouraging update after Bruno Fernandes was recently involved in a car accident, and insisted Man Utd will make the call on when to announce Erik ten Hag as their next manager.

Fernandes, 27, was involved in a car accident while making his way to United’s training ground at Carrington on Monday morning. Thankfully, widespread reporting indicated that neither the Portuguese or any one else involved had suffered any serious injuries.

What’s more, the Daily Mail later claimed Manchester United are hopeful Fernandes will be fine to feature in their crunch clash with Liverpool on Tuesday night.

Now, speaking in a press conference on Monday afternoon, Rangnick shed further light on Fernandes’ eventful day.

“Yes, he was training with the team obviously the accident happened on the way to Carrington,” said Rangnick (via the Manchester Evening News).

“As far as I know, no one was injured. He was ok and he’ll be ok for tomorrow.”

One player expected to feature from the start against Liverpool in the absences of Fred and Scott McTominay is Paul Pogba.

Pogba was booed last time out by the Old Trafford fans against Norwich. However, the Frenchman could yet have an opportunity to silence the doubters and push Manchester United towards Champions League qualification in the coming weeks.

Pogba selection, Ten Hag announcement addressed

Free agent-to-be Pogba is currently observing Ramadan and is thus fasting during the daytime.

When asked if that will influence his potential selection of Pogba, Rangnick said: “No, as a player and a professional he is used to that.

“He knows how to handle that and how to deal with that. I don’t think this affects his game or his performance. I haven’t spoken about this with him in person.”

United appear on course to appoint Dutchman Erik ten Hag as their next permanent manager.

When asked if he knew when official confirmation would come, Rangnick admitted: “I don’t know.

“This is an issue for the club and the board and as soon as there is something to announce then I’m pretty sure the club will make that announcement.

“Right now, that doesn’t affect our preparation for the game tomorrow or the game on Saturday. We are fully aware that out of those six games we probably need almost maximum points and you can see even other teams are dropping points.

“This is about being consistent and the team that will finish fourth will be who is most committed to that.”

To help achieve that aim, United must embark on a purple patch of form between now and the end of the season.

Summer recruit Raphael Varane will no doubt he key to their defensive solidity, and Rangnick revealed the experienced Frenchman could be in line to return after missing out against Norwich.

“He [Varane] was with training with the team,” continued the German, “He was on the pitch with one of our rehab coaches. With regard to the injured players, it’s the same situation.”