Ralf Rangnick reveals how Manchester United ace Donny van de Beek proved vital in holding onto a victory against Aston Villa

Speaking after the game, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, Ralf Rangnick revealed that Donny van de Beek enabled Manchester United to gain control of the game in the dying minutes of the victory of the Aston Villa game.

The Red Devils sealed a victory against the Villans on Monday night, but it was not smooth sailing all the way. Fred and Scott McTominay were arguably our two best players on the pitch but needed help towards the end as we lost control of the ball.

The Steven Gerrard-led side put the pressure on us in the final minutes of the game and our frontline was running on fumes. Rangnick then brought on Donny van de Beek, who increased our presence in the centre of the pitch and limited the opposition to minimal chances.

Rangnick explained the tactical flexibility provided by the Dutchman after Man United reverted to a diamond formation in the last 20 minutes of the game.

“The game against Villa today confirmed, with a minimum three central midfielders, we had problems in times of the game to control the centre of the pitch. From the very moment when we changed to a diamond in the last 20 minutes, when Donny came on, we controlled the game. We had our counter-attack situations.

“As a coach, I am always somebody who likes to have control and wants more control. It’s a question of balance, and we still need to improve in those moments.”

Rangnick got it right

Man United fans have been longing for the German manager to display some of his tactical nous over the last month, and the gaffer pulled one out of the bag on Monday night. Although it did not bring out a massive change, it did thwart Villa from creating increased chances.

Van de Beek was lively and was getting between the lines to intercept penetrating passes. The 24-year-old was often holding on to the ball during key situations and dictating play at times. But credit must be given to all three substitutes.

Anthony Elanga and Jesse Lingard also pressed from the front and won corners in the dying embers of the game. The entire team had to put quite a shift in to churn out a victory on the night, which was highly necessary.

Rangnick has often failed to impress with his substitutions in recent weeks, but he got it right against the Villans. The supporters would be hoping that he can produce something similar when we make the trip to Villa Park on the weekend for the Premier League fixture.

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Steven Gerrard’s men are no pushovers, as we found out yesterday, and they would be out for revenge. It could also see the return of Philippe Coutinho to England– and Rangnick would do well to be prepared to negate the Brazilian’s impact against us were he to play that game.