Manchester United’s legendary former striker Wayne Rooney has given his early verdict on the club’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
According to Rooney, the players essentially need extended time to adapt to Rangnick’s methods. A philosophy that is centred around the German’s trademark 4-2-2-2 system.
Rooney is however concerned about the set-up. The Derby County manager feels that the side has looked impressive against the likes of Crystal Palace, but the system could take a beating against the big boys in the league.
“I’ve been to a few games, taken my kids,” Rooney said via The Athletic.
“Obviously it’s been difficult for them. I think it had got to the point with Ole where everyone could see it was coming to an end. With the new manager now, you don’t know. I’m sure it’s a lot different to anywhere he has managed before. There’s a lot more pressure, managing a lot of high-profile players.”
Rooney added: “I was at his first game against Crystal Palace and I thought they looked very good.
“My only concern, with that shape, was that when you come up against those better teams — Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal — you could get punished.
“The most important thing is that the players need to buy into it. He needs to get them working as a group, rather than as individuals,” the former skipper concluded.
Meanwhile, United are now training to take on Aston Villa in an FA Cup third round battle next Monday.