Ralf Rangnick has called for ‘more confidence’ from Manchester United as the club prepare to take on top four rivals Arsenal this weekend.
United travel to the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime in a huge clash with the North Londoners, knowing defeat would all but end their hopes of securing Champions League qualification.
The Red Devils produced an abject performance to lose 4-0 at Liverpool on Tuesday evening and Rangnick has insisted he wants to see ‘a completely different performance’ from his side.
The German refused to label the clash a must-win fixture, but called on his team to show more conviction, confidence and aggression at Arsenal.
“I don’t think that it makes sense to speculate about how likely it still is for us to finish fourth or wherever, it doesn’t make sense, after a performance like that at Liverpool,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“We just need to make sure we play far better. This is the only way to deal with it. We need to get the best possible team on the pitch and play in a different way, with more conviction, more confidence and more aggressive behaviour on the pitch. We will have to show a completely different performance.”
Rangnick discussed the progress of Arsenal this season, who have recovered from a poor start to the season to move into contention for a top four finish.
The Gunners are fifth at present, level on points with Tottenham in fourth, and Rangnick outlined the threat that Mikel Arteta’s youthful side will pose this weekend.
“I think they drew the right conclusions from what they experienced earlier on in the season. They brought in some young players, Odegaard for example, they got rid of some players who didn’t fit that style of football.
“It’s a high attacking team with fast strikers, pretty aggressive in the first third, always trying to press and counter-press. I like watching them actually, but hopefully not against us tomorrow, so it’s up to us to be aware and prepared of what they’re doing up front, but at the same time, taking advantage of the space that we will hopefully get in their half.”
Rangnick provided team news on his squad ahead of the clash and confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will return after being granted compassionate leave this week. Scott McTominay and Raphael Varane have also returned to fitness, though Paul Pogba is out.
“Scott McTominay will be back and fit to play. He’ll be available for the game tomorrow, the same with Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo is available again – he’s been training with us now All the others are still injured plus Paul Pogba.”
