Ralf Rangnick will have to be a distant observer again tomorrow while he waits to begin his interim managerial duties at Manchester United in earnest.
The German has yet to meet the squad in the flesh as work permit issues continue to be a problem.
In the meantime, Michael Carrick has been overseeing the comings and goings at Carrington following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last week.
Since Solskjaer’s departure, United have qualified for the Champions League knockout stage and earned a point at Chelsea in the Premier League.
Their next task is to host Arsenal at Old Trafford tomorrow night. And, although Carrick will be making the calls once again, Rangnick should be formulating ideas over the potential team selection.
Here are three changes we think the incoming coach would like to see against the Gunners on Thursday night:
Cristiano Ronaldo
Was this too obvious?
Cristiano Ronaldo started on the bench against Chelsea last weekend, a rarity in the prolific forward’s career.
Carrick opted for a more defensive shape to try to stifle the Blues’ attacking potency.
Overall, the decision to drop Ronaldo paid off as United almost walked away from Stamford Bridge with all three points.
There should be less caution when Arsenal travel to Manchester, however, meaning CR7 can be let off the leash.
Rangnick will surely want to see the main man in action and determine whether or not he really does suit his fabled gegen-press approach.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire missed the last league game through suspension having picked up two yellow cards in the shambolic 4-1 defeat at Watford.
That was Solskjaer’s final match in charge and, to be honest, a fitting way to end the Norwegian’s tenure.
It also accurately summarised Maguire’s season so far – messy, reckless and lacking in composure.
United’s skipper will be available for the Arsenal clash and should come straight back into the side. He can only improve when you look at how well he has played for England.
And he’s definitely another key player Rangnick needs to take a good look at before taking the reins off Carrick.
Donny van de Beek
A lot of United’s squad will be given a clean slate when their interim boss arrives at the training ground.
None more so than Donny van de Beek, who needs a total reboot after a torrid year as a Red Devil.
What better place to start than under the lights of the Theatre of Dreams?
Carrick bulked United’s midfield against Chelsea by adding Nemanja Matic rather than another attacker.
The Serbian can’t cover the ground like he used to, therefore the legs of Van de Beek might be better suited to challenge Mikel Arteta’s men.
Especially if Rangnick expects his soon-to-be players to be on the front foot and press their opponents at every opportunity.
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