Ralf cull doesn’t do job...

IF Manchester United’s players had any doubts about Ralf Rangnick’s ruthless side, they were dispelled yesterday.

After the abject Champions League display away to Atletico Madrid in midweek, some big names were jettisoned for the visit of Watford.

Out went skipper Harry Maguire, fellow defender Luke Shaw, forward Marcus Rashford and winger Jadon Sancho, whose impressive recent form came to a halt in the Spanish capital.

Such a brutal cull would never have happened under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The likes of Maguire, Shaw and Rashford were untouchable under the Norwegian, but in 90 days at United interim boss Rangnick (above) has shown reputations count for nothing.

Although he explained the changes as a need for fresh legs – this was United’s third game in six days – with a free week ahead of next Sunday’s Manchester derby, there seemed little need to rest players.

The message was blunt – no player is indispensable.

After a magnificent Euro 2020, Maguire has endured a troubled season for United, with poor form and questions about his suitability as captain.

His performance against Atletico, where he allowed Joao Felix to get in front of him to plunder the opening goal, exposed his shortcomings.

And while Maguire can expect to lead United out at City, pressure is building on him.

Rashford and Shaw have already felt the consequences of Rangnick’s refusal to be swayed by what a player has done in the past – both having lost their places.

The same can be said for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, restored to the starting line-up here, but another who has lost his automatic-pick status.

Rangnick’s switches looked to have had the desired effect, although after 20 minutes United could have been forgiven for wondering if it was going to be one of those days when they created a multitude of chances – only to squander them all.

In that first quarter, Rangnick’s side hit a post through Cristiano Ronaldo, who also had a goal correctly disallowed for offside. Stand-in captain Bruno Fernandes had a shot saved by Ben Foster when he should have squared the ball for Ronaldo to tap-in, and then volleyed wide moments later.

United’s profligacy continued in the 26th minute when Ronaldo rounded Foster and chipped the ball to Fernandes, who was unable to direct his far-post header on target. By half-time United had registered 10 shots on goal.

The wasteful pattern continued after the break, with Paul Pogba steering the ball wide, while Anthony Elanga was the guilty party moments later, another shot missing the target.

Ronaldo, who has scored just once this year, looked to have nothing in the tank.

Having played five games in 14 days, his goalthreat and creative spark are blunted by the relentless demands placed on him.

But Edinson Cavani’s absence through injury means he has to play every game.

Watford deserve credit for their defensive discipline, which was rewarded with a vital point in their battle for survival.

But after this setback in pursuit of fourth place, the Manchester derby has assumed even greater significance for United, who were booed off by sections of their own fans.

They must get something from that trip across town – and if top-four ambitions are to survive cannot have many more careless afternoons like this.