‘I think Rangnick has come in and you can see the differences in terms of intensity, working from a structure, working from a base.’
Rio Ferdinand has suggested that there are already “noticeable differences” to Manchester United’s style of play after just one game under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Rangnick – who was appointed as United’s interim manager on a six-month deal at the end of last month – is well known for his high-intensity pressing style.
The German took charge of his first game at the weekend, with the Red Devils securing a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Fred scored the only goal of the tie in the second-half and United received praise for how quickly they were able to adapt to their manager’s tactics while operating in a new formation.
Former United and England defender Ferdinand has revealed that he was excited by what he saw against Palace, adding that Rangnick’s ability to change the players’ mindset already is a good sign for the future.
“I think a continuation of what we’ve seen against Palace,” he said on BT Sport when asked about how the ex-RB Leipzig boss will change United.
“We won’t get carried away, it’s been one game and maybe a training session.
“But there were noticeable differences and changes to the team, the structure of it, the way they pressed as a team – that’s the important point.
“Fred with the winner with his right foot, he’s the last person you’d expect to score; Ronaldo tried to header it in on its way in.
“I think Rangnick has come in and you can see the differences in terms of intensity, working from a structure, working from a base.
“He keeps saying he wants to get a good balance between attacking with the ball and without.”
Ferdinand’s comments come after former team-mate Gary Neville also highlighted the instant impact that Rangnick had made at United.
The Sky Sports pundit listed a number of statistics which showed the startling improvement in United’s display compared to the average for the rest of their performances this season.
Related links:
- Wan-Bissaka and Shaw have a ‘hell of a job’ getting in Rangnick’s team, claims Ferdinand
- Rio Ferdinand and Jamie Carragher trade insults after Roy Keane argument
- Rio Ferdinand urges Liverpool to sign ‘devastating’ striker Erling Haaland
