Ralf Rangnick Press Conference: Manchester United Team News – Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has spoken to the media ahead of their Premier League game with Aston Villa on Saturday. The interim manager once again explained his thought process behind finding the right balance and formation and also offered insight on the situations of Dean Henderson and Donny van de Beek and provided a small team news update. Follow InsideSport.IN for the latest sports news.
Ralf Rangnick Press Conference: Manchester United manager discusses latest on Ronaldo’s fitness, Van de Beek and Henderson transfer situation and team news
The United manager provided fitness news on Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho and Phil Jones as all four were missing from the Emirates FA Cup game against Villa. Steven Gerrard’s new signings Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho could make their debuts at Villa Park as they have already been pictured training.
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Ralf Rangnick Press Conference:
If it will be an advantage or disadvantage to face Villa so soon:
“Well, at least we know from experience what the challenge will be and how they are playing. We also know that we were able in a tough, a tight game, to beat them. Now it’s about showing the best possible performance, bringing the best possible players and best performance on the pitch in order to win the game at Villa Park.”
On being asked if the Premier League is the toughest league:
“In this league, even against the bottom teams, it’s never easy, the top teams can lose those games but in Germany, if Bayern Munich or the other top teams in the Bundesliga are playing the bottom teams, out of 10 games they will normally win 8 or 9.”
Ralf Rangnick Press Conference: Ronaldo’s fitness, Van de Beek and Henderson transfer situation and team news
Situation on Dean Henderson’s future at United
“Well, I told him that I would like him to stay because he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. In training yesterday, he had another couple of fantastic saves. I really like to have him on board, as one of three top goalkeepers. I can fully understand that he wants to play because he’s in an age where, as a goalkeeper, he should regularly play. On the other hand, we are still in three competitions, we need the three goalkeepers we have right now. I told him that but I can also, on the other hand, understand his desire to get game-time elsewhere in the Premier League.”
On the availability of Maguire, Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Phil Jones
“I think they will be available, they only trained yesterday for the first time, Cristiano yesterday, Harry the day before yesterday. We have to wait for the final session this afternoon but as it seems right now, they should be available for tomorrow.”
Ralf Rangnick Press Conference: Ronaldo’s fitness, Van de Beek and Henderson transfer situation and team news
Van de Beek’s desire to get more minutes
“I mean, it’s the same situation as it is with Dean. I’m glad to have him in the squad, he came on in a last 15-20 minutes against Villa in the cup game and he did well. He’s always performing on a high level in training. I told him I would advise him to stay until the end of the season, and then, of course, with the World Cup coming up in winter, he wants to play in the World Cup for his country and Louis van Gaal obviously told him that in order to be a regular starter for the World Cup, he needs to regularly play for his team.
On getting the right balance with the players
“I mean, yes, I was fully aware that this cannot happen overnight. It’s a work in progress. I think we have shown that we have conceded fewer goals than a couple of weeks ago but still, it’s also about controlling the game. This means we might even be able to play formations. As I said, still work in progress, obviously still quite a few things and space for improvement.”
Which areas does the squad need to improve on
“I mean if you want control or to dominate games, you can do it in two areas. One: how do you play if the other team is in possession of the ball, how proactive and aggressive can you be at the same time without being weak on the counter-attack. The other one is you can gain control when you are in possession of the ball.”
“In both areas, I try to work and improve the team. As I said, we’ve taken a few steps but not as quickly as I would have hoped or wanted it to be. As coaches, you’re normally never patient, you always want to develop teams quicker and faster. Now, in the last couple of weeks and in the future, it’s all about results, getting the best possible results out of each game.”
Ralf Rangnick Press Conference: Manchester United manager discusses latest on Ronaldo’s fitness, Van de Beek and Henderson transfer situation and team news
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