Ralf Rangnick hails ‘outstanding’ Cristiano Ronaldo but admits Man United have to defend better
Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick was left frustrated with his team’s defensive performance following their 3-2 victory over Norwich.
With Tottenham and Arsenal both dropping points, Manchester United have suddenly thrust themselves back into top four contention with a win over the Canaries.
Just a few weeks ago, United's hopes of finishing in the Champions League qualifying spots were under serious doubt following a run of mixed results.
However, as things stand, the Red Devils are fifth and trail fourth-placed Tottenham by just three points.
Despite this, Ralf Rangnick underlined his team's defensive vulnerabilities following the win over Norwich. The Man United boss admitted that his side will need to drastically improve if they're to take any points from Liverpool on Tuesday.
The German manager said: "I mean, everybody has seen today's game. We all know what team we're playing on Tuesday.
"They won against Man City today, they're in the FA Cup final. In the end they might have the chance to win four trophies this season.
"If we play like we played today, it will be very, very difficult to get even a point out of this game and this is what we have to be realistically aware of.
"So, we need to raise our own level and standard. Probably Fred and Scott (McTominay) will not be back, Raphael Varane will also be a tight race for the game on Tuesday. So far he hasn't trained with the team.
"We have to be aware that the players that we had available today we will drive to Liverpool and just get anything out of that game.
"If possible we need three points. That can happen in football, it has happened before.
"But we have to be realistic, we have to play a lot better if Liverpool is in possession of the ball than we did today."
Cristiano Ronaldo once again bailed out his teammates as the Portugal international produced a stunning hat-trick to seal all three points.
Rangnick praised his star man saying: "Again, he showed against Tottenham and today's game, that he can be the difference maker, in moments like this, in games like this, and it is no coincidence he has the best goalscoring record of all players in history. He showed that again today."
"Ronaldo was very crucial. They weren't easy goals, it was just outstanding"
Rangnick was also pressed on whether Ronaldo would be staying at Old Trafford for another season. The German admitted the decision was out of his hands.
He said: "This is in the end not my decision. Cristiano has got another year of contract. This will be a decision for the new manager to take, together with the board."
Man United return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Anfield for a clash against title-chasing Liverpool.
