Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Rangnick says talk of discontent overblown
RALF Rangnick admits he is dealing with some unhappy players but downplayed the situation as Manchester United look to get back to winning ways in the FA Cup.
The interim manager lost his first match in charge on Monday night, when Wolves inflicted a 1-0 home defeat that was far more one-sided than the scoreline suggests.
United’s meek performance was followed by reports about a poor mood inside the dressing room, with as many as 17 players said to be unhappy.
A number of those are fringe players but there are supposedly some star names among the dissatisfied, yet Rangnick seemed unperturbed by such talk.
“Well, I mean this is not only an issue with a club like Manchester United,” he said ahead of Monday’s FA Cup third-round clash against Aston Villa.
“When you have a big squad, in the last two games we had most players available. Yes, we had an issue with three centre-backs missing out against Wolves but – in general – we had most players available, apart from Paul Pogba.
“If you have that many players and 10 outfield players can play and three being substituted, then of course you have quite a number of players – in our case 12, 13, 14 players who don’t even play, or not even being in the squad.
“Then those players are not happy about that situation. It’s obvious, it’s clear.
“In total, we have a big squad. “I tend to explain to players every two or three weeks why they are not playing but obviously I cannot do that every game and that is an issue in our team as well as in other clubs.”
Midfielder Fred took to social media to make clear he is not unhappy at Old Trafford and distance himself from “fake news”.
The Brazilian said on Twitter: “Over the past few days, I have read several fake news (stories) involving my name and other MUFC athletes.
“I’m not in the habit of answering controversial stuff publicly, but this time I will have to.
“I just want to say that I am very happy here and I have never expressed any dissatisfaction and the possibility of leaving the club.”
Frustration is understandable given the current plight of the 20-time league champions on top of any background concerns, with United facing a key decision about their next permanent manager.
Interim boss Rangnick has not ruled himself out of the running but talk about the likes of Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag and long-admired Mauricio Pochettino at Paris StGermain continues.
Asked if the fact players do not know about his future could be impacting performances, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s successor said: “I mean, we have players with contracts expiring in the summer.
“We have maybe also one or two players who still want to leave, although they are under contract.
“It’s about the players dealing with that in a professional way.
“Everybody has the chance and the option to show in training, to show up and then get a chance to play.
“If this is not the case, then of course the player together with the club and the agents, they need to discuss the situation.”