Micah Richards suggested that Ralf Rangnick has been using Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho incorrectly whilst in charge of Manchester United.
Speaking on BBC Football Daily, the former Manchester City defender lamented Rangnick’s use of the two England internationals.
Both attackers started in United’s dismal 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last night.
The young pair featured as the two wide players in the German’s preferred 4-2-2-2 formation.
Rather than exploiting their natural offensive talents, Greenwood and Sancho did far more defensive work than usually required.
This meant the duo’s output in the final third was minimal, as they continually had to track back with Wolves’ rampaging wing-backs.
Greenwood was hauled off after 60 minutes, whilst Sancho left the fray with a quarter of the match remaining.
According to WhoScored.com, between them, the English forwards managed just three shots – none on target – and just one key pass.
In comparison, the visitor’s two creative outlets, Trincao and Daniel Podence, had a combined total of eight key passes and three shots on target to their names.
Greenwood and Sancho struggle
Rangnick’s method simply did not get the best out of Greenwood and Sancho, as highlighted by a frustrated Richards.
“He could play 4-3-3, 4-5-1. It gets players into similar positions to what they are used to,” said BBC and Sky Sports pundit.
“You’ve got Greenwood and you’ve got Sancho trying to get the ball in the number ten role on the half-turn, when on the evidence we’ve seen with Sancho, he’s good at one-on-ones.
“Starting on one side and making forward runs into the box. But now, he’s on the half-turn, getting the ball.
“What’s even worse is when the opposition full-backs are pushing forward, he’s in like a wing-back role. It’s absolutely ridiculous. They are getting forced back.
“So, when they want to start attacks, they are already 20-yards back from where they need to be.
“I think Rangnick can do could it but I think he just needs to find the right system.”
Does Rangnick have the resolve?
Finding a formation that suited all parties in the Old Trafford dressing room played a role in the demise of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Now, Rangnick is possibly staring at the same scenario that sunk his predecessor.
If 4-2-2-2 cannot defeat Wolves, Newcastle United and only just overcame Norwich City, then how would it fare against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool?
Both of these fixtures- along with a Champions League knockout bout against Atletico Madrid- are on the horizon, meaning the man in the Red Devils hot seat needs to find solutions fast.
Otherwise, his current interim job will never become permanent.
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