Ralf Rangnick was not happy with how Manchester United performed in the first half of their Premier League clash against Brentford on Wednesday night.
Ragnick’s Red Devils beat the Bees 3-1 at the Brentford Community Stadium, thanks to strikes from Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood, and Marcus Rashford.
Ivan Toney scored a consolation late on for the hosts - who squandered several chances in the first half, with goalkeeper David de Gea coming up with key saves.
However, Rangnick is glad he had one of the best shot-stoppers in the world to thank for helping his team stay in the game during their torrid opening 45 minutes.
United interim-manager Rangnick told BT Sport about his half-time team-talk: "It was not a strong conversation, but obviously we had to change a few things.
"First half was not good in all aspects of the game. In the second half, we were more urgent, attacking higher up the pitch and taking the right decisions in the counter-attack and we scored, which is the big difference."
When asked about the performance of David de Gea, the German replied: "He's been doing that the last couple of weeks - brilliant saves in the first half. He is one of the best keepers in the world, I would say."
Cristiano Ronaldo threw his tracksuit down in annoyance after it was handed to him while he was being subbed, and Rangnick insisted that the 36-year-old’s reaction was normal, adding that he has no problem with the Portuguese superstar.
"That is normal - a striker wants to score - but he has come back from a little injury and it was important to remember we have got another game coming up," Rangnick explained.
"Also after what happened at Villa Park, we had to defend the lead this time and it was important that we went back to a back five and while we didn't keep the clean sheet it was important to make sure nothing else happened."
Follow Think Football Ideas across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Comments