Rangnick admits defeat at Man Utd

“Since the match against Atletico, we have not been able to find our best form and fitness. This is about confidence, mentality and fighting spirit. For me, the biggest disappointment is that Man Utd is not promote the fighting spirit. This is the biggest problem”, Rangnick said at the press conference before the match against Crystal Palace in the 38th round of the Premier League.

The German coach considers the defeat to Atletico in the 1/8 Champions League round as the turning point of the season. At that time, Man Utd – despite creating few opportunities – drew Atletico 1-1 in the first leg at Wanda Metropolitano thanks to Anthony Elanga’s late equalizer. But in the second leg at Old Trafford, they stalemate and lost 0-1 because of Renan Lodi’s header.

Rangnick further analyzed: “Before losing to Atletico, I think Man Utd had stabilized the defense compared to the team that conceded four goals at Watford, in Solskjaer’s last game. We defended more firmly, but we couldn’t maintain it. Keep that steady. Man Utd also have problems creating chances, scoring goals and keeping clean sheets.”

Rangnick couldn’t save ‘s season Man Utd, after replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021. The Old Trafford owner in turn was soon eliminated from the League Cup, FA Cup, Champions League and no longer had the opportunity to squeeze into the top 4 of the Premier League.

“Red Devils” are currently sixth with 58 points, two points more than West Ham. Even if they win against Crystal Palace in the closing round, Man Utd will still go through the season with the lowest score in the Premier League era, breaking the 64 point floor in the 2013-14 season. They also received the club’s record number of goals conceded in Premier League history, when they conceded 56 times this season, surpassing 54 times in the 2018-2019 season.

Even so, Rangnick believes Man Utd There are still many world-class players, and hopefully they will find their form again next season. He added: “If you recruit quality players, with the right fighting spirit, I believe Man Utd will get back on track and become a top club. Maybe that won’t happen after one transfer window. , but I am optimistic about the future of the club after the next two or three terms.”

The previous visit Crystal Palace also the last battle of Rangnick, before transferring power to Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach arrived in London by plane on May 18, and will watch the confrontation at Selhurst Park. He does not interfere in the technical matters of this match, and will familiarize himself with the new club as well as introduce the management and players of Man Utd.

Rangnick revealed that he had just exchanged with Ten Hag over WhatsApp, and hope to be able to meet in person by the end of the week or Monday morning at the latest. The German coach said: “I can answer Tag Hag’s questions. I don’t have to be rude. I had a bad experience, but it’s still an experience I don’t want to miss. We went on a road. positive for the first three or four months, but can’t sustain it. Everyone has to self-criticize because everyone can do better, myself included.”

Hong Duy