With the engagement of Ralf Rangnick as interim coach, the chronically agitated Premier League giant Manchester United finally wanted to get back into calmer waters. So far, however, the German has not managed to stabilize the Red Devils. The most recent low point was the miserably lost city derby, after which criticism rained down from all directions. Is the liaison between the former Schalke coach and the English record champions one big misunderstanding?
Ralf Rangnick’s disillusionment was written all over his face. The team manager was forced to admit after a memorable derby debacle what no one likes to admit at Manchester United: they are miles from the top.
“It was a difficult game that showed how big the gap to them is,” admitted Rangnick after the bitter 1: 4 (1: 2) at leaders Manchester City.
They were alarming words that made you sit up and take notice. The minimum goal of qualifying for the Champions League, which Rangnick has to achieve in his remaining two and a half months as interim coach, is in great danger in this form. TV expert Roy Keane left no doubt about that.
“United gave up, and that’s unforgivable, especially in a derby, but actually in every game,” rumbled the club icon on “Sky Sports” and called the performance of some players “shameful”. These, the Irishman demanded without naming names, “should no longer play for United”.
Critics shoot at Rangnick
Unsurprisingly, the headlines the next morning were devastating. “Damned United” was the headline in the Daily Telegraph. The Daily Express saw “Sad United torn to pieces”.
The starting position for the crucial weeks is tricky. United, fifth in the league, are only one point behind the premier class, but have played three games more than fourth-placed Arsenal.
In the Champions League, the Red Devils, who at least drew 1-1 at Atlético Madrid in the round of 16, still have a chance of winning the title – even if it’s a long way away. Otherwise, ex-BVB star Jadon Sancho and his colleagues are out of all trophies.
Familiar picture: CR7 and Co. creep disappointed from the place
The paradox is that Rangnick’s record in his 14 league games (seven wins, five draws and two defeats) is not as shocking as the general weather situation would suggest.
However, unnecessary draws against lower-level teams such as Burnley or Watford repeatedly drew critics to the scene, which is why Rangnick, who is planned as a consultant in the future, is unlikely to be allowed to train the team beyond the summer.
Again and again fuss about Cristiano Ronaldo
On top of that, the supposedly bad mood within the team is often a big topic in the media. Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned in the summer, is struggling at the age of 37 in the intensive Rangnick system and only scored three goals under him.
The veteran was missing against City, which was surprising. Rangnick explained it with a hip flexor injury. Keane gave little credence to this narrative.
“There seems to be more behind Ronaldo,” the 50-year-old speculated. The talk about an alleged injury to Ronaldo “makes no sense” to him.
Among other things, “The Athletic” reported that CR7 had flown to his Portuguese home before the derby, which is said to have caused astonishment in the team.
The “Sun” therefore describes the 37-year-old as the current main driver behind the bad mood at United. Ronaldo is said to be heating up the tense atmosphere even further.
Problem: So far, Rangnick hasn’t found the right approach to reintroduce the superstar, who regularly breaks away. The constant unrest surrounding world champion Paul Pogba has also remained.
Many construction sites, hardly any solutions
Before United receives direct competitor Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday evening (from 6:30 p.m. in the LIVE ticker), Rangnick has to put up with many critical questions.
Where is the football development? Why are so many players currently dissatisfied (including homegrown Marcus Rashford)? And why do the obstructionists with their diva-like behavior always get away with it?
Ralf Rangnick no longer has much time to find answers. At this point, there’s a lot to suggest his short stint as Manchester United manager will end in a big misunderstanding.
Heiko Lütkehus (with “AFP” material)