Speaking ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Watford, Ralf Rangnick has explained why, in his eyes, his side struggled against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, where they were outclassed for much of the occasion.
‘In the first half, we were too cautious in possession, too passive, too static and we made it in the first 45 minutes to easy for Atletico to put pressure on us’, he told journalists. ‘That’s why we had only a few of the moments that we could challenge them at the back.’
Come the end of the game however, United were in the ascendency and came away with a draw- a very good result to take back to Old Trafford.
This is because they were far less static and passive, suggests Rangnick.
‘This changed in the second half and that was one of the major reasons why we were able to equalise. At the end, with five or 10 minutes more to play, we might have even won the game. In the end, it was about the result. The result was good and it leaves us with all the chance in the world to proceed to the next round. It will be a tough to game to play in three weeks.’
Ronaldo hints at future move away
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has fanned flames about a potential move away, stressing the importance of trophies to him given his age (he turned 37 earlier this month).
‘I know I don’t have many years left playing, four or five more, we’ll see, and I want to win more things’, he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo tells Dazn: “It’s hard to say that I don’t want more, because if I’m at a club that gives me the opportunity to win more things, why not?”. 🔴 #MUFC
“I know I don’t have many years left playing, four or five more, we’ll see, and I want to win more things”. pic.twitter.com/5AeHjJMNuK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 25, 2022
However, he insisted that despite Manchester United’s struggles, he was still happy with his own personal performances, telling the outlet ‘the facts are facts, the rest doesn’t matter at all. That’s why I’m very happy with my form, I’m still scoring goals, helping both in the national team and at Manchester United and that’s why I want to continue like this.’
Whether he will be happy to play for Manchester United even if they fail to be present in next season’s Champions League remains to be seen.
