Since his appointment as interim manager, Ralf Rangnick has inspired a change in form but this has also highlighted where the Manchester United problems are really at.
Rangnick probably watched on in disbelief as his United side drew 0-0 with Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday – in reality, the Red Devils could have and probably should have won the game around 8-0 – it was as comfortable as they’ve had it all season but they failed to do the one thing you have to do in football…put the ball in the back of the net.
The German coach has clearly improved United at the back and results show that, but the real problem has been scoring goals.
Ralf Rangnick Has Strengthened Side but Manchester United Problems Remain Clear
Manchester United Better Under Rangnick
Manchester United have shown clear improvements under Ralf Rangnick. By no means are they the finished article yet, but they’re harder to beat – as shown by just losing one game in normal time so far.
There is still progress to be made though as seen in the struggle v Atletico Madrid but even then they still pulled off a draw with yet another successful series of substitutions from Rangnick – something he has already shown to be one of his greatest strengths.
On Saturday, they got as close to perfection as you can without winning the game but despite having the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford on the pitch couldn’t get the ball over the goal line.
Where United Must Strengthen
Yes, it’s perhaps baffling to suggest, with Ronaldo, United need another striker option but it’s even crazier not to admit it. It’s already well-reported, especially with Edinson Cavani looking likely to leave at the end of his contract this summer, that the Red Devils will be looking to add a striker, and so they should.
If Ronaldo does stay, a decision one would imagine rests heavily on United’s Champions League involvement, United are still going to need another goalscoring option.
Rashford is struggling out wide at the moment and has never really looked like taking a role in the middle. United can’t afford to go into the new season thin on goals. Cristiano Ronaldo may be their top goalscorer, but he’s not on his best run of late, and let’s face it, he’s 37-years-old, there has to be an alternative option.
None of this changes the fact that Manchester United still need a holding midfielder. The Atletico game highlighted that even more with Scott McTominay’s absence forcing Rangnick to start with Fred and Paul Pogba – which didn’t work at all. In fact, Nemanja Matic’s substitution saw United much stronger in midfield and he looked decent v Watford too, however, he’s another player whose legs aren’t getting any younger.
There are other issues and definitely more than two signings needed this summer but an addition of a striker and a midfielder have to be the priority for a United likely under new management.
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