Rangnick explains reasoning behind Man Utd team selection; Martial, Lingard absence
Ralf Rangnick has explained why he decided to name an unchanged line-up for his first game as Manchester United against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The German named the same starting XI that beat Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford on Thursday night, although both Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard were absent for Crystal Palace clash after ‘feeling pain’ in training.
Rangnick was appointed United’s interim boss on Monday and will be at the helm until the end of the season, after which he switches to a consultancy role at Old Trafford for two more years.
Rangnick was in the stands to watch the Gunners clash. The now-departed Michael Carrick was in charge of that game.
But explaining why he chose to go with the same team, he said: “The team did well against Arsenal, especially in the second half. As everyone was fit and available, there was no reason to change the XI.”
Man Utd forced to miss out
On the absence of both Martial and Lingard, he added: “Jesse and Anthony indicated after training [yesterday] that they didn’t feel well, they felt pain. That’s the reason they are not in the squad.”
Much has been made of Rangnick’s style of play since the 63-year-old took the Old Trafford reins. And he revealed what the fans can expect.
Time to hear from our interim boss! #MUFC | #MUNCRY
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 5, 2021
He said: “My football is definitely not a slow waltz! I am not that far apart from [Liverpool manager] Jurgen Klopp in terms of our ideas about a style of football. That’s no secret.
“But you have to be aware of what kind of players you have and where they stand. I cannot ask things of them that they can’t deliver right now.
“I have to take them [the Manchester United players] and accept where they currently are. They are experienced and smart enough to know that.
“I cannot turn the players we have into the pressing monsters I want them to be within two, three or four weeks.”
READ MORE: Man Utd told how Rangnick can help sign Haaland, who ‘can leave’ for bargain fee
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