More than three weeks into Ralf Rangnick’s reign as Manchester United interim manager and it hardly feels like he’s been here at all.
Three games have been played, producing two wins and a draw, yet these already seem distant memories.
And that’s because they are distant memories.
United’s last outing – the 1-0 Premier League win at Norwich City – was 11 days ago. Since then, two of the Red Devils’ fixtures have been cancelled due to covid protocols.
Their next contest is meant to be on 27 December, by which time many of the teams around them will have an extra two or three matches under their belts.
Rangnick’s side was already at a disadvantage in the race for European places because of a poor run towards the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure.
However, a huge boost might be just around the corner for the boys in red.
AFCON will take its toll
As long as the competition goes ahead amid the pandemic, the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) is going to snaffle away top-flight stars from the end of December to possibly the beginning of February.
Many Premier League managers will lose crucial players at a crucial time of the season. And it will hit those sides sitting between the top four and mid-table the hardest.
Arsenal are to set to be without midfield anchor Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Nicolas Pepe during AFCON.
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang is also due to represent Gabon, but currently it doesn’t look as though his absence will affect Mikel Arteta too much.
Meanwhile, upward-moving Aston Villa could be without Marvelous Nakamba, a solid figure in Steven Gerrard’s midfield, as well as Mahmoud Trezeguet and Bertrand Traore.
Leicester City could take a major dent to any lasting Champions League hopes by waving farewell to Nigerian pair Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, plus Daniel Amartey and Nampalys Mendy.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, who are threatening to break into the top six under Patrick Vieira, are arguably going to be the most damaged by AFCON. Key men Wilfried Zaha, Cheikhou Kouyate and Jordan Ayew are likely to jet off to the tournament.
Manchester United unscathed
While all the other coaches are sweating in their hot seats, Rangnick can be pretty relaxed at the potential AFCON supermarket sweep.
From his senior squad, only Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo are likely to play at the competition.
As neither are regulars for United, this shouldn’t harm the German’s set-up too much.
Once Raphael Varane is fit, Victor Lindelof becomes a decent reserve centre-back while Teden Mengi could be promoted from the academy.
Offensively, United are well stocked if Diallo departs, so there are no issues in that area of the field.
During AFCON, United’s Premier League fixtures are quite favourable too. Newcastle, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers are up next before a tricky claret-and-blue double against Aston Villa and then West Ham United.
Get maximum points from that quintet and Rangnick will be sitting pretty in the Premier League once AFCON ends.
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