At what point do the players become the problem?
In news that will shock you to the core, Manchester United players are reportedly losing any faith they might have had in manager Ralf Rangnick and his methods.
ESPN report that some players believe his training sessions are old fashioned–not a surprise given this is his second managerial role in a decade.
They are also confused by the fact Rangnick tends to leave most of the actual training to his assistant manager, Chris Armas, who some players are jokingly referring to as ‘Ted Lasso’, a not so kind nod to the unqualified star of the eponymous sitcom who coaches fictional club AFC Richmond.
And as exaggerated as that comparison may be, one might point to the fact that this is his first job outside North America, having previously managed Toronto FC (two wins in 15) and New York Red Bulls in MLS.
Results and performances have marginally improved since Rangnick and Armas arrived at the club but not enough to give fans any sort of reason to believe they are on course to re-establishing themselves as title contenders. A recent FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough and a frustrating draw away to Burnley have only heightened tensions at Old Trafford.
One of the players’ gripes is supposedly that training sessions include too many 11 vs 11 situations, rather than smaller sided, dynamic drills that help to maintain sharpness levels.
Players might be frustrated by these methods but the extra focus on shape has seen fewer goals conceded compared to the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign. However, a lack of rhythm in attack appears to be the main issue, as United fail to turn draws into wins.
This weekend United face a Southampton side who just put three goals past Antonio Conte’s Tottenham before welcoming Brighton to Old Trafford in the midweek.
