RALF IS THE MAN WITH A PLAN
RALF RANGNICK has hit back at his critics – by insisting he is doing a top job as Manchester United manager. Rangnick, 63, was brought in until the end of the season when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November.
The Red Devils have lost just one Premier League defeat in his 11 games at the helm, although Rangnick accepts there have been some bumps along the way.
He is about to embark on a run of games, starting at
Leeds today, that will make or break United’s season and said: “The challenge for me was coming in mid-season, with the team not doing well and lacking confidence.
“And, of course, I have had to work with a group that was not put together by me. That’s not alibis or excuses, just a mere fact.
“For me, it was about getting the right mix and the right moments in which we had to play offensively and defensively.
“Obviously we had to reduce the number of goals conceded – which we have – and on the other hand still be dangerous in possession.
“I think we have shown some improvement but there is still space for more.
“We just need to stick to a gameplan even if a game doesn’t go well.we need to keep our heads up and stick to the plan even if it is not working well.”
United face a Champions League last-16 clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and March and April bring matches against Manchester City,tottenham, Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal.they have won only six of Rangnick’s league games in charge. He is scheduled to move into a two-year advisory role in the summer and qualifying for the Champions League would help to tempt a top manager and players to Old Trafford.
Rangnick said: “Of course, everybody wants to play in the Champions League, but we have to be realistic.
“I think that when I came to the club we were eighth in the table, trailing by quite a few points.
‘‘Now we are fourth and aware that a couple of teams have played two games less than us so far.
“But right now it’s all about winning those games in front of us. My full focus right now is on developing the team’s performances and, hopefully, winning games.”
Meanwhile, Rangnick has admitted he can give Harry Maguire no guarantees about carrying on as Manchester United captain beyond the end of the season.
The England defender has suffered a dramatic drop in form this season after an outstanding Euros.
The German has dismissed claims that Maguire is involved in a dressing room power struggle for the skipper’s armband with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rangnick said: “About the captaincy, we have a captain in Harry Maguire and he will stay the captain until the end of the season for sure.
“What will happen in the next one, two, three and four years, I don’t know.
“For me, it’s not of any importance. For me it’s important what happens in the next three months.”