Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick calls on fans to rattle Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has called on the club’s fans to rattle their opponents at Old Trafford as they face off in the second leg of the Round of 16 tie.
The first leg of the tie saw United come away with a 1-1 draw in Spain, clawing back an equaliser in the second half as Atletico dominated them in the first period of the game and took the lead within the opening ten minutes.
Rangnick has called on the home crowd to turn up for the UCL tie tonight and recreate the same atmosphere that they welcomed Tottenham Hotspur with on the weekend, with the Old Trafford faithful getting praise from Spurs boss Antonio Conte.
“Like in the game against Spurs, we need our players and supporters to be on top form. Antonio Conte said it was a very difficult atmosphere for them to play in, and that’s probably one of the biggest compliments you can get if the opposition manager says that after the game.”
United had overcome Tottenham with a 3-2 win at home courtesy of a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick, as the Portuguese ace made it four goals in two matches against the Lilywhites to complete the double over them this season.
“12th and 13th player”
Having played away in the Champions League tie for the first leg, the Red Devils may likely have the advantage in the second leg of the fixture as they play in Manchester in front of what is expected to be a raucous home crowd. Stretford End should be packed and loud to welcome Atletico to England.
Rangnick said that the fans will become the 12th and 13th players on the pitch for his side, creating a special experience for everyone in the stadium and urging the team on in difficult moments in the game.
“In the end they can be our 12th and 13th player on the pitch and make the difference, making it a very special experience for everyone. In the end it’s up to us. We have to create those moments and then the rest will come from our fantastic supporters.”
Although there is no away goals rule this year in the UCL, the Premier League will still be expected to have the upper hand in the second leg of their clash against the Rojiblancos due to the fact that they play at home.
Old Trafford has always been a scary venue for opposition teams to visit because of the amazing atmosphere created by the United faithful, and tonight is expected to be no different as they welcome the La Liga champions.
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Ronaldo gave the home crowd much to cheer about on the weekend with a hat-trick, and against familiar opponents in Diego Simeone’s men tonight, the expectation is that he will deliver as he always has against the Spanish club.
Even though fans play an important part in the matchday experience, Rangnick is right about the players having to create moments on the pitch so that supporters can back them up. Hopefully, the German is able to produce a result to send the Old Trafford crowd back home happy.
