Varun Pai
Ralf Rangnick wants Manchester United to play in hectic fixture schedule as it is part of the tradition of English football
Speaking to MUTV, Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick claimed that the festive fixture schedule is a part of the heritage of the country and compared changing it to the act of abolishing the Queen or the Five O’Clock tea.
The Red Devils have not kicked a ball in over two weeks. Their game against Brentford was called off before the Brighton tie was also postponed as Rangnick only had seven players available for selection. However, they are now set to return to face Newcastle United on Monday.
It has only been a month since the German manager arrived at Old Trafford, and he is set to experience the hectic festive schedule. Several top leagues take a break during this time of the year, but English football continues in its rich pomp with the tradition of playing through it, with Boxing Day games being one of the oldest traditions of this league.
Rangnick has also come out in defence of this schedule by stating that cancelling it would be equivalent to abolishing the Queen.
“I’ve watched Premier League football for the last 40 years. So, when it was also the First Division, and I know what kind of tradition it is to play football over Christmas and on Boxing Day, the 27th, the 30th and even New Year’s Day or the 2nd January.
“So, if somebody came across the idea to abolish then we might as well speak about abolishing the five o’clock tea or the Queen or whatever – this is all part of the tradition of this country, and I’m very much looking forward to being part of this for the first time in my career.”
Practical nightmare
Rangnick might enjoy the festive schedule for now, but it has its own pitfalls. Man United have been lucky considering our games have been called off during the rise in Covid-19 cases. Clubs like Chelsea and Man City have not enjoyed the same courtesy.
Moreover, playing three games in the space of 7 days is no easy feat. The players are run into the ground and have to cope with the torrid weather. However, our boys shall hopefully be coming into the game against Newcastle United with substantial rest.
But Rangnick shall need to conserve their energy as they will be hosting Burnley on Thursday night. Any game against the Clarets is a physically demanding one, and it does not help that the squad shall then have to prep for the game next Monday when Wolves come to Old Trafford.
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Thus, the travelling might be minimal but playing at a top level throughout the next seven days is always a challenge. The German boss looks up for it, and supporters shall be hoping that the key stars remain fit throughout this fixture schedule as we look to fight for a spot in the Top 4.
As for Rangnick’s comments, they do make sense because it is traditions like this that make PL unique. However, it doesn’t mean that traditions cannot change with time and there is certainly a need for the Premier League to take steps to ensure the safety of the players and staff when things get tough, as it has this month with the rising Covid-19 cases.
