Varun Pai
Ralf Rangnick believes Manchester United could consider the vaccination status of a player before signing him amidst rising Covid-19 cases
Speaking in an interview, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick claimed that a player’s vaccination status could be checked before signing him amidst rising Covid-19 cases.
The Premier League almost came to a halt last week after nearly 10 games were called off. The fixture between Burnley and Watford was also postponed two hours before kick-off with several unvaccinated players coming into contact with Covid-positive individuals. That, of course, led to them being isolated for 10 days.
Man United shall be playing their first game after two weeks on Monday night after their matches against Brentford and Brighton were called off, with Rangnick only having seven players available for the latter fixture.
Thus, despite the rising Covid-19 cases, some players still prefer to not take the jab. This could also affect the transfer policy of some clubs, but Rangnick claimed he believes in the free will of every individual.
“Yes, I think it could be a consideration, and I fully understand what Jurgen said. But it also depends if you want to sign a player and risk him not being available… If you sign a player knowing from the very first day that he has not been vaccinated, you have to be aware that he might not be available.
“I think this is an issue where of course, everybody can and should have his free will, but I think in football, especially at this level we are playing at, we need to try to convince our players to get vaccinated.”
Risk to sign unvaccinated players?
Rangnick could not be more right about players having their free will. However, the 63-year-old was also smart to point out that they need to be convinced to do so if they want to play at this level. Postponing games is not a permanent fix, and Covid-19 is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Thus, the players need to understand that their decision could result in a match being cancelled. There are also various schools of thought on whether the vaccination reduces the chances of contracting the disease. However, regardless of its effects, if it helps to avoid cancelling a match, the shot might be worth taking.
Moreover, vaccination could be an important factor to consider before sealing a move for a player. If his status is making him a risk for a couple of matches, it does not make sense to sign such a player because the players are bought to play, not to sit at home in isolation.
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The law and the rules on the subject are clear. Each member of the squad is earning massive wages to represent a club of the stature of Man United. However, at the end of the day, the decision lies with the players. But Rangnick could try his hand at convincing them to do what is needed to play week-in and week-out.
After all, this decision does not only affect them but those around them as well. Their failure to be vaccinated could put the lives of others at risk and speaking generally, it is better if we do the best we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones from a potentially troubling disease.
