Varun Pai
Ralf Rangnick explains why Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo started together for Manchester United vs Burnley
Speaking to Amazon Prime, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, Scott McTominay revealed that Ralf Rangnick asked Manchester United players to keep the ball better in the 3-1 victory against Burnley. Rangnick, on the other hand, provided explanations for the several starting XI changes he made against the Clarets.
The Red Devils got back to winning ways on Thursday night following the disastrous draw against Newcastle United on Monday. The game-plan for the latter seemed way too chaotic, with Man United players constantly giving away the ball in dangerous areas.
This allowed the Toon Army to constantly attack our nervy backline. However, things changed on Wednesday night as Scott McTominay produced a man of the match performance. He had a hand in two goals and protected the backline incredibly well. The entire team was far more cohesive and did not squander possession needlessly.
The Scot revealed after the game that Rangnick demanded that the team kept the ball better against Burnley.
“The manager said we set the record for the most number of turnovers (against Newcastle United) in the league. We had to keep the ball better. Goals help energy. If we bang in two or three at Newcastle it gives the whole team energy…The manager is so demanding, and we play for Man Utd. It is what we have to do.”
Ralf Rangnick explains reason behind six Man United changes in Burnley victory
The energy and the intensity levels were also up for the Burnley victory, and understandably so. Rangnick made 6 changes to his line-up from Monday, as Edinson Cavani, Luke Shaw, Aaron wan-Bissaka, Nemanja Matic, Jadon Sancho, and Eric Bailly came into the side.
The gaffer explained the reasons behind the wholesale changes. He told MUTV, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News:
“When Edi (Cavani) came on at Newcastle, not only did he score the equaliser, he had another two great opportunities. He is in good shape so for me, it was logical to play him and Cristiano together. The other changes were due to playing three days ago. It is about fresh legs and fresh energy.
Much needed performance?
Although the victory was just another indication of our inconsistent nature of winning games, it was good to end 2021 on a positive note. There was a feeling of uncertainty around Old Trafford at kick-off, but most of it vanished after McTominay opened the scoring in the 8th minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo, however, seemed frustrated for the opening twenty minutes, since he wanted to get on the scoresheet. He eventually got there after McTominay’s shot hit the post, and the Portuguese international was on queue to put the ball into an empty net. A goal for Jadon Sancho also sweetened the victory, albeit it was declared as a Ben Mee own goal.
A clean sheet would have pleased Rangnick, but the result mattered more on the night. The fact that the performance in the second was also encouraging are signs that the German manager is not letting anybody off the hook at any point of the game. There shall be no relaxation hereon in and the players need to fight for every point.
More Manchester United News
- Transfer Update: Manchester United make contact with the agent of River Plate ace Julian Alvarez
- Transfer News: Manchester United on alert as Ousmane Dembele fails to sign new Barcelona contract
- Manchester United ace Edinson Cavani opted out of starting in Newcastle United game over fitness issues
The Top 4 race is wide open, and several clubs are vying to garner a UCL spot. Man United have arguably the best squad at hand to pull it off but we shall need to maintain consistency in our performances. We shall now be facing Wolves on Monday before hosting Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
Things are looking up for us as we enter the new year. A top 4 and a good run in either of the two cup competitions we are in would be a good way to kick off the post-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era.
