Ralf Rangnick is someone who rarely minces words and the Man United boss has admitted that his side is no longer in the race for a Champions League spot.
Man United have won just two out of their previous 10 matches across all competitions and with such a poor result, they were still in the top-four race up until the Arsenal match. A 3-1 loss to the Gunners though has completely broken their back and now even the interim boss has admitted that a top-four finish is out of reach.
“We have four more games to play, the next two games are at home at Old Trafford and we will try to get as many points and win as many games as we possibly can,” said Rangnick at his pre-match press conference.
“In order to do that we need to play on the best level we possibly can. Chelsea is a good team but we know that if we play well it’s possible to win the game tomorrow.
“I don’t think it makes sense now to still speak and speculate about the Champions League, we need to be realistic. Even if we win all four games it’s not in our hands, what is in our hands is how we play, our level of performance. It’s important for this season to finish on the best possible note.
“Obviously, if results are not going well and we lost three of the last four games, the morale, energy in the locker room isn’t as good as it would be, still we have to perform, this is what we’re getting paid for, it’s important for the players, knowing the new manager, to show we are able to beat a team like Chelsea, this is our job, this is what everyone has to do and this is what we have been working for.”
Can Man United bounce back against Chelsea?
Honestly, it will need a miracle for Man United to pick up a win against Chelsea and to make matters worse, Rangnick is going to miss as many as six first-team players on Thursday night.
The likes of Maguire, Fred and Sancho are all ruled out while Chelsea will see the return of Reece James and Antonio Rudiger.
Man United have lost to Liverpool and most recently Arsenal and apart from anything else, this match will be a battle for their pride to avoid a third consecutive loss to another top-six side.
We really don’t think United have what it takes to beat Chelsea so the next best thing would be to try and frustrate the Blues and then pick up a draw.
