RALF RANGNICK is facing a rift in the Manchester United dressing room
Ralf Rangnick, the manager of Manchester United, is battling a dressing-room schism, with some claiming particular players have too much influence over decisions.
Ralf Rangnick, the manager of Manchester United, is battling a dressing-room schism, with some claiming particular players have too much influence over decisions.
RALF RANGNICK is facing a rift in the Manchester United dressing room that threatens to wreck the team’s season.
SunSport can reveal that a number of players believe some senior team-mates wield too much power over interim manager Rangnick when it comes to major decisions.
At Old Trafford, a division is forming, with the feeling that some players are being given preferential treatment despite their poor form.
Following Monday’s humiliating 1-0 loss to Wolves, Luke Shaw lambasted his teammates, accusing them of lacking dedication, unity, and motivation.
One United source described the club’s setup as a’shambles,’ while another believes Rangnick’s brief tenure will be a ‘disaster.’
“The players have their own cliques,” a source claimed, “and one of them is making the others feel like they need to step up a level while the whole squad is failing.”
“The players are down on their luck.
“It’s like the prior years when everything went wrong.
“It’s likely that the fans believe the players aren’t physically capable of carrying out Rangnick’s intentions.
“That is completely false. Certain players have just lost their ability and desire to play.
“In addition, there is a notion among some members of the squad that some players are selected regardless of their performances.”
“As a result, everything is in shambles.”
Rangnick, 63, will remain in charge until the conclusion of the season and is expected to take on a consulting position this summer.
However, the German has a reputation for being aloof and overconfident behind the scenes.
United players, who have been given two days off after playing three games in eight days during the Christmas period, have publicly admitted that Antonio Conte should have been appointed before he joined Tottenham.
They also expect Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Paris Saint-Germain, to take over in the summer.
APPLICATION OF PAPER OVER CRACKS
Since taking over from the sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Rangnick has guided the Red Devils to three wins, two draws, and that loss to Wolves in the Premier League.
United, on the other hand, were fortunate to beat Norwich 1-0 and even luckier to draw 1-1 with Newcastle at St James’ Park.
The Red Devils’ results covered up the flaws, but the team’s style of play is a major concern.
Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2 shape was exposed in the loss to Wolves, with Bruno Lage producing a masterpiece in exploiting the space created when United’s full-backs advanced.
Rangnick appears to be grappling with the strain of having to prove himself after stating that he wants to be the leader beyond this season.
Rangnick also has no control over the number of United players who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
In the summer, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata will all be free agents and can speak to international clubs.
This adds to United’s anxiety ahead of their FA Cup match against Aston Villa on Monday night.
United are currently in seventh place in the league, four points behind the leaders and with a game in hand.
The club’s lowest finish since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement came in 2013-14, when they finished eighth with 64 points.
