2021 was a year to both remember and forget for Manchester United supporters.
It was a year where the Old Trafford faithful made their joyous homecoming. A year where a once departed legend made his return. Despite many memorable moments and unbeaten away runs, it was also a year of painful generational lows now etched in the club’s history.
Ralf Rangnick’s arrival gave fans a glimmer of hope.
While all the pieces appeared to be in place, the assembly has proven troublesome. Recent lacklustre performances would have certainly made Rangnick aware of the mammoth task at hand.
The dressing room morale is reportedly extremely low with players struggling to adapt to the manager’s new methods.
Serious improvements need to be made both on and off the pitch if United have any chance at competing for European honours or closing the gap between their bitter rivals.
Here are five things Rangnick must change in 2022 before his reign comes to an end.
1. MENTALITY SHIFT
The winning mentality and incredibly high standards Sir Alex Ferguson ingrained in the fabric of this football club has been missing for quite some time. United’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle was one of the most woeful displays of football I’ve seen of late. There were no cohesive patterns of play, no energy and no movement off the ball. Sulky body language by senior players followed after every sloppy pass and disjointed defensive and attacking phases of play. A lack of urgency, desire and togetherness are clear signs that a mentality shift is needed.
Consistent average performances shouldn’t be tolerated by anyone representing this club. While slight improvements were made in a relatively comfortable victory against Burnley, Rangnick should look to instil a winning mentality as questions over leadership and character on the pitch remain.
2. DROP BIG NAMES
Rangnick proved he’s not afraid to drop big names after making six changes to the starting line-up against Burnley. Most of the criticism levelled towards Ole Gunnar Solskjaer near the end of his tenure was that he largely stuck with the same players who were out of form.
While it’s always a difficult decision to make, top managers shouldn’t be afraid to make big calls for the benefit of the entire squad. I would like to see Rangnick continue to stamp his authority by dropping those who aren’t competing to the standards required — no matter the price tag or stardom.
3. STRENGTHEN MIDFIELD
Rangnick will need to sort the midfield out to implement a high-pressing game with quick vertical passes from the defensive third to the final third. A solid midfield sets the tempo and provides a smooth transition from defence to attack — an area United have been lacking in for years.
United possess all the attacking firepower they need but that’s no good if there isn’t any quality play in midfield. United continue to struggle to progress the ball from deep with Fred and Scott McTominay as they either make themselves unavailable to receive a pass or lose the ball too often in dangerous areas.
The team needs someone who can consistently produce through balls and break lines with penetrative passes. Rangnick must find a versatile player to fill the void for some structural balance.
4. work rate
Tactics and formations are purposeless if the players on the pitch don’t adopt a high work rate or urgency to react. The Newcastle game showed just how static the players were with no movement off the ball.
While there was more efficient runs and chances created against Burnley, greater intensity and aggressiveness is needed. Adopting an intense pressing style and expecting more output from the players will be Rangnick’s greatest challenge due to the mental and physical demands.
5. BACKROOM STAFF
The boardroom’s main focus has never centred around football. However, Rangnick’s desire to facilitate innovation and modernise club operations by evolving the backroom will have a lasting impact.
United’s coaching team was under-fire under the previous management which saw the departure of Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna. However, Rangnick has already completed a quick transformation with the appointment of assistant coaches Ewan Sharp and Chris Armas, along with sports psychologist Sascha Lense.
The addition of new backroom members who have real football knowledge is vital in laying the foundations for any club. I expect Rangnick to make more appointments in the second half of the season to develop a distinct playing style.