Rangnick gives squad update ahead of European night
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick spoke to the press not long ago as the Red Devils are in their final preparations for a Champions League matchday six clash with Swiss champions BSC Young Boys at Old Trafford tomorrow.
The German tactician gave updates around key first-team assets after their 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at the weekend, with pair Edinson Cavani and Raphaël Varane expected back in training next week.
Rangnick: “They [Varane & Cavani] both cannot play tomorrow but they were part of the traning today. Edi even yesterday, Rapha the first time.” #mulive
— utdreport (@utdreport) December 7, 2021
Rangnick: “Expect them [Varane & Cavani] both in full training next week. Both top players. It is also about sustainability. It would be great to have them as soon as possible, but obviously for rest of season.” #mulive
— utdreport (@utdreport) December 7, 2021
Rangnick shed light on the fitness of French international Anthony Martial, who was unavailable against Palace after picking up an injury in training the day before;
“Anthony [Martial] trained on Saturday and half an hour after he had pain on his knee — we had meeting with medical department and we agreed he should try to recover. We need to make sure he reduces pain in next few days and hopefully have him back training next week. Note: quote via @utdreport
Man United boss leaves the door open for fringe players
Any new boss worth their salt is willing to give players the chance to prove themselves when they first come into a new club, and Rangnick plans to do just that as he looks to finalize his matchday squad ahead of tomorrow’s clash.
Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard (centre) celebrates scoring their side’s second goal of the game with Cristiano Ronaldo (right) during the Premier League match at the London Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday September 19, 2021. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)
United is guaranteed to top the group regardless of the result tomorrow after they did the double on Spanish outfit Villarreal in group play, and this presents Rangnick with the perfect opportunity to give run-outs to a number of first-team players that are on the outside looking in.
“I haven’t finally decided [on the United team to face Young Boys] but it makes sense we will rest a few players due to the crowded fixture list. Everybody has the chance to perform and present themselves. I am happy to give game time to quite a few of them tomorrow — perfect opportunity to get to know the players.”
In that list includes the likes of Jesse Lingard, Dean Henderson, and Donny van de Beek, with the latter pair guaranteed to feature tomorrow according to the German tactician.
For Henderson, it comes as a perfect time for the United backup keeper to prove his worth in the new regime after Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam are rumored to be interested in his services.
It is still early doors in the new regime at Old Trafford, but its clear that it is nothing to fear for those that may have been ostracized by their former boss.
