RALF RANGNICK has hit back at his critics and insisted he’s doing a fine job at Manchester United. No excuses... but I’m working with players not chosen by me
RANGNICK: I’VE IMPROVED INHERITED SQUAD... NOW STARS MUST FOLLOW GAME PLANS BETTER
Rangnick, 63, took charge at Old Trafford until the end of the season after manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November.
And after suffering just one Premier League defeat in his 11 games at the helm, the Reds are back in the race for a top-four finish.
Rangnick accepts there have been some bumps along the way and that he is about to embark on a run of games that will make-or-break the Reds’ season. time when the team was lacking confidence, not doing well.
“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.
“It was about getting the right mix and the right moments in which we had to play offensively and defensively.
“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 in the weeks and months. But there is still space for more in the future.
“We just need to stick to a game plan, even if a game doesn’t go well, and keep our heads up. This is the thing we have to get better on.”
United play strugglers Leeds and Watford in their next two league games, either side of their Champions League last-16 first-leg clash with Atletico Madrid.
March and April brings the Manchester derby away, as well as games against Tottenham, Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal. Chelsea await in the penultimate week of the season.
United have only won six of Rangnick’s games in the Premier League and were eliminated by Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. But the German will continue to focus his players’ minds on what can still be achieved.
He is scheduled to move into a twoyear 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: “Everybody wants to play every season in the Champions League, but we have to be realistic.
“When I came we were eighth in the table, trailing by quite a few points. Now we are fourth and fully aware that a couple of teams have played two games less than us so far.
“We are also aware there will be big games in March and April, including against Tottenham, Arsenal and a few other teams who are chasing fourth place. But right now it’s all about winning those games.
“It doesn’t make sense to speak about the summer or about getting in the right players or changing the squad.
“All my focus is on developing performances and winning as many games as we can.”