Ralf Rangnick’s first game as interim manager of Manchester United almost went well. Although, the Red Devils were able to beat Crystal Palace, one goal without reply.
Rangnick, only once held a training session against Crystal Palace. He met with the Manchester United squad, on Friday or two days before the game against the Eagles.
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The players are more or less familiar with Rangnick’s ideas and game philosophy. The Manchester United squad appeared to be pressing and were able to not concede at home after the last time it happened in April.
When under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United used a 4-2-3-1 formation, Rangnick chose a different formation. He uses 4-2-2-2, which raises the question which players can improve with the new formation.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand said there were two players who could be left out of Rangnick’s formation. One of them is Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
“I have to be honest, Wan-Bissaka got a very tough job to get back into this team. The same goes for Luke Shaw. They both have amazing jobs,” Ferdinand said, in broadcast 5ive.
“One thing this manager likes is a full-back who can really play and have the ball,” the 43-year-old added.
Rangnick’s system requires full-backs to step up and provide an attacking threat from wide areas. Especially when his Manchester United attacking midfielder came in linking the game.
Tactics like that, are not something new in the world of football. However, for the Manchester United squad, it was different because when it was held by Solskjaer, it was not applied.
“Day [Wan-Bissaka] not asked to help forward in his early career. He still had time and we gave it. In a year or two, you will see a top full back,” said Ole, earlier this year.
Rangnick, however, had no time to wait, although Wan-Bissaka is one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, having been great in one-on-one duels. The weakness of the English player is difficult when assigned to send a cross into the defense area around the penalty box.
There is Diogo Dalot, who has attack skills and can replace Wan-Bissaka. Rangnick has also entrusted the 22-year-old player to play.
In the last two matches in the English Premier League, Dalot has always appeared from the early minutes. Playing as a starter is the first for him since the last time it happened in April 2019.
Indeed, Dalot was absent from the match versus Young Boys, in the Champions League, yesterday (8/12). Rangnick deliberately rested him because the party was not decisive because Manchester United had already qualified for the last 16.
Dalot performed well when replacing the injured Wan-Bissaka against Arsenal. His performance was even more solid when Manchester United faced Crystal Palace.
Dalot’s best moment, occurred in the middle of the first half when sending a cross for Cristian Ronaldo. Even though there was no goal, he showed an advantage that Wan-Bissaka did not have.
Actually, Dalot has a better attacking ability than Wan-Bissaka. He was marginalized because there were rumors that Solskjaer was reluctant to rotate his favorite players despite playing badly.
The Solskjaer era, is over at Manchester United and Rangnick is in control. Dalot can be the main choice at right-back because statistically his cross passes are better than Wan-Bissaka.
Getting longer playing minutes could be the reason Dalot stays at Manchester United. AS Roma are reportedly interested in borrowing him in the January transfer window.
“It’s no secret that it’s difficult when you don’t play as much as you want. But it’s our job to get ready, and I’ve been doing that for the last few months, especially this season. I’m ready when it comes time to give everything on the pitch.” Dalot.
“Help the team, that’s the most important thing, and I’m really happy to have this momentum and be out there with the team.” Dalot continued.
