Ralf Rangnick says he is ‘positive’ about the future of Manchester United as he reflects on his time in charge of the club.
Rangnick’s reign as interim manager will come to an end following the Premier League’s final weekend, with the Red Devils travelling to face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
United need to win to ensure Europa League qualification, in what has been a difficult season that has included their lowest-ever Premier League points total and record number of goals conceded, 56 so far.
Rangnick has spoken on his ‘biggest disappointment’ during his spell as interim manager, believing the side lost confidence and team spirit following their Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid.
“I think that until we dropped out at Atletico, we have lost confidence, energy in the team,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“Until then we had stabilised the team. Until then we were much more stable defensively. Since Atletico, we just didn’t find our shape or form again. It has got to do with confidence, team spirit and togetherness. This is my biggest disappointment that we didn’t establish that team spirit.”
Erik ten Hag will be in attendance at Selhurst Park this weekend and will take charge of the squad next season following his arrival from Ajax.
Rangnick believes there are ‘positives’ for Ten Hag to work on and says there are a core of top players to build around at Old Trafford.
🗣 “I’m positive that they [Man United] would rather play in the #UEL instead of the #UECl.”
Ralf Rangnick says his side will be doing their best to qualify for the second string European competition. pic.twitter.com/UmxyU14bt5
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 20, 2022
“I still strongly believe that there is a core of players who are top, good enough to play for this club,” he said. “Hopefully most will be here next season.
“If we bring in the right players, mentality players, I am positive we will be able to bring this club back to the top. Maybe not possible in one window, but next two or three.”
Rangnick will move into a consultancy position at Old Trafford next season, combining those duties with a role as manager of the Austria national side after his appointment as the nation’s new head coach last month. The German said he believes he can bring his experience to the club in terms of their transfer strategy.
“We spoke about that in detail, how I could be of help. I think we showed at Hoffenheim, Salzburg and Leipzig that it is possible to identify, develop and sell. This is what is most important for whom it is the next logical step in their career.”
