Mark Lawrenson suggests Ralf Rangnick has yet to improve a particular area of Manchester United he was specifically supposed to.
Writing for the BBC, the former Brighton and Liverpool defender claimed United’s pressing hadn’t greatly changed under the new coach.
Rangnick’s induction at Old Trafford was meant to signal the start of a fresh wave of gegenpressing in the Premier League. After all, the 63-year-old is widely touted as the innovator behind the tactic and an influence on the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Ralph Hasenhuttl.
However, after 11 games in charge, this approach has yet to bring great success to the Red Devils. In fact, it’s not exactly been evident in any of the matches under the interim manager.
Rangnick yet to revitalise United
United still lack identity as they crawl from fixture to fixture, uncertain of the kind of club their coach wants them to be.
“I thought we’d see a different Manchester United under Ralf Rangnick and I thought they would press more – but it hasn’t really happened,” Lawrenson said.
“(Rangnick) has had some decent results but they haven’t strung together a good performance under him for 90 minutes so far – with Friday’s FA Cup defeat by Middlesbrough the latest example. You’re left thinking what on earth is the problem?”
Lawrenson thinks that although United are still fourth in the Premier League, they will have to improve if they are going to stay there, while the players must take responsibility too.
He said: “If they are going to find some consistency their players have to play their part too. At the moment, it seems as if there’s no-one in the dressing room to rally them when they need it.”
Beating Burnley is first port of call
Although there may be some unrest behind the scenes, the real problems lie on the pitch. Rangnick may have only tasted defeat twice as United boss but the victories haven’t exactly been joyous to watch.
Arguably their best display was against tonight’s opponents, Burnley, who they beat 3-1 at the Theatre of Dreams in December. A repeat win would hold off the critics for now, but another dour showing would set the vultures circling again.
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