Bickering ban is the key to Ralf’s plan

MANCHESTER UNITED’S players are following orders from interim manager Ralf Rangnick to improve their body language and stop bickering on the pitch. Rangnick brought it up after winning at Norwich earlier this month and former United defender Gary Neville criticised the ‘whingeing’ among United players during Monday’s draw at Newcastle. After beating Burnley with a much-improved performance last night, Rangnick said: ‘The reaction to what is happening on the pitch is the question. ‘How do we react? How do we fight back and show them we are a team that believes in ourselves? Or do we shake our heads and wave our arms?

These things only help the other team and damage our team. I told them it is important to we work and behave as a team and don’t show these side effects.’ Rangnick made six changes against Burnley and Scott McTominay was man of the match in a 3-1 win. McTominay said: ‘Body language is one thing and the manager has come in and said he wants to cut that out. He wants no more so that’s final. ‘All the players have firmly taken that on board and it is important we do. ‘We knew the criticism after Newcastle was completely justified. We took it on board. ‘The manager told us to go and perform. Now is the time we really start stepping up and doing much better. The manager is so demanding and we play for Manchester United — it is what we have to do.’ McTominay dedicated the win to Sir Alex Ferguson who turns 80 today, adding: ‘He’s a legend of the game and I’ve got a lot to thank him for. The win was a present.’ Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 14th goal since returning to United and his agent Jorge Mendes insists he is settled at the club. ‘Cristiano is very happy at Manchester United,’ said Mendes. ‘He’s going to continue with his solid, great performances as always in his career. It’s going to be a great season for him, I’m sure.’