Ahead Of The Fight Against Burnley, Rangnick Urges The Red Devils To Focus On Making Collective Improvements

Ralf Rangnick (Twitter @ManUtd)

JAKARTA - Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick urged his team to focus on improving collectively rather than individual performances, as they try to find the best form.

United host Burnley at Old Trafford on Thursday, just three days after a painstaking 1-1 draw against 19th-placed Newcastle United.

In that match, Manchester United almost lost a game to Newcastle and the central defender duo Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane became the target of criticism from the media and most supporters.

"Rapha hasn't played in five or six weeks... yes, he made a mistake before we conceded, but apart from that I think he did well", Rangnick said.

🗯 @ECavaniOfficial was on the agenda during the interim manager's pre-match media briefing...#MUFC | #MUNBUR

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 29, 2021

"I can't say he was outstanding, and I think that goes for Harry too, they did quite well."

"I don't think it makes sense to talk about individual performances per player, we have to improve collectively", he added.

The German tactician admits that the COVID-19 situation that has hit the Red Devils squad recently has prevented him from having the impact he wanted since being appointed as manager until the end of the season at the end of last November.

"Of course, I'm not satisfied. Every ambitious coach and I don't think there is any difference between me and the others in that aspect, will want to take the fastest and crucial step", he said.

"To do that, your team has to be able to train, and as you all know we have to close the Carrington training facility for four days... the game against Newcastle was a negative shock from the pace, tempo, and physical aspect", Rangnick added.

Manchester United centre-back, Victor Lindelof, has been ruled out against Burnley because he tested positive for COVID-19, while midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been ruled out due to five yellow cards accumulated.

Since being handled by Rangnick, MU is unbeaten and picked up two wins and two draws. They are now seventh in the standings with 28 points from 17 matches, or seven points adrift of the top four with two games to spare.