Cristiano Ronaldo does not blame manager Ralf Rangnick, who replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in December, for United’s recent performances, noting that it takes time to make changes, and that much of the availability has to come from the players’ heads.
“It’s all about the mentality. When we are having difficulties in a game we have to be able to react, turn around. The club is called Manchester United, so we have to be united. Tactics and systems only work if we have the right mindset and the coach needs time – but it’s important to look at ourselves and see what we can do better.”
Ralf Rangnick, who was hired as caretaker coach until the end of the season (later moving to a consulting role) has managed four wins in seven games, conceding just three goals, but it’s still not enough.
“I know it will take time, you don’t change mentalities, systems, from one moment to the next. I believe that the coach is doing a good job and we are still able to have a good season», he said, contradicting some commentators who say that the team has no identity.
“The coach arrived five weeks ago and he has already changed a lot, but he needs time to get the ideas across to the players. I know we are not playing the best football, but we have a lot of games ahead to improve”, he said, leaving a word for the former coach.
“The last few months have not been easy, to be honest. Ole left, then Carrick [interino] and now we have a new coach. It’s hard to go through so many changes. And a little sad. I played with Ole, when I arrived he was the coach, a fantastic person. When he left everyone was sad», he recalled.
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