More questions have been raised about Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United after yet another disappointing result.
Their 1-0 defeat at home to Wolves was a first loss under the German’s guidance, however, their draw at Newcastle in December, a leaky defence and a general lack of vibrancy on the pitch are causes for concern.
Man United are now four points off the Champions League spotsGetty
After the Red Devils were humbled by Wolves, talkSPORT’s Perry Groves suggested the appointment of Rangnick could be one of the worst in Premier League history.
Meanwhile, Man United legend Paul Ince doesn’t believe the team has kicked on since the club parted company with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.
Asked if there had been progress, Ince, said: “If I’m being totally honest, then no.
“It reminds me of when Ole first took over at Manchester United and he had an easy fixture list – Cardiff, teams like that – and it came off the back of a [Jose] Mourinho team where the players didn’t really like Mourinho and the atmosphere was hostile.
Solskjaer left on November 22 but it’s been suggested it’s like he never left Man UnitedGETTY
“Ole came in, had a great fixture list to go into, changed the system, changed certain things, made it a happy camp and they started winning games.
“I think we all got hoodwinked into the fact that this was the way forward and we were making progression. I get that same feeling now.
“The fixture list that Ralf has come into is the perfect fixture list for any manager managing a big club like Manchester United. The performances have been absolutely – apart from the Palace one at home – they’ve been bang average, they really, really have.
“If you could ask any Manchester United fan sitting there now who knows about football, ‘do you see a progression in the development of what we have seen over the last five games?’ you actually have to say no.
Rangnick is set to manage Man United until the end of the season. Could his stay be ended early?AFP
“Do you see Ralf being the manager come the end of the season? The answer on the basis at this moment – and it is early doors – you’ve got to say no.
“I’m not sure if this job is a poisoned chalice. It’s the biggest job in the world, the biggest club in the world, but it’s like a poisoned chalice.”
It’s hard to work out what the root of Man United’s struggles under Rangnick are but the players don’t appear to be mastering playing with his 4-2-2-2 formation.
A change in system in their FA Cup clash with Aston Villa next Monday – live on talkSPORT – could be something Rangnick considers going forward as well as a change in personnel – after all.
The likes of Mason Greenwood have struggled to kick on this seasonAFP
These woes would have seemed unthinkable at the start of the league season when Man United romped to a 5-1 win over Leeds in their opening match.
Things looked very positive for them as they picked up seven points from a possible nine in the league before re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of the summer transfer window.
Ronaldo has been excellent in his second spell but it’s been suggested his presence hasn’t improved the team.
Rangnick has never been one to shy away from making a radical decision, so may consider the unthinkable and drop the Portuguese icon.
Dropping Ronaldo would be a big call but you won’t know if it’s the right one until you try itGetty
Ronaldo being left out could see a return to form for Bruno Fernandes, who’s been in and out of the team under Rangnick.
Meanwhile, no Ronaldo would see Mason Greenwood return to his preferred position up top.
He fired in three goals in Man United’s opening three matches playing as a no.9 before Ronaldo’s arrival shunted him out right or onto the bench.
The front line revamp could also see Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford come out of their shells more.
And while some may not have favoured it, Rangnick may want to think about Scott McTominay and Fred in central midfield.
How Man United should look against Aston Villa…
Should Rangnick ditch the 4-2-2-2 and leave out Ronaldo?
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