Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick says he needs to fix his side’s defensive issues if he is to improve the Red Devils’ fortunes during his temporary spell at the helm. United have struggled at the back this season and have already conceded a staggering 24 Premier League goals.
Rangnick, who will take charge in Manchester until the end of the seaosn, was in the directors box at Old Trafford to watch his new side in action for the first time on Thursday night as United hosted Arsenal.
The Red Devils eventually overcame the Gunners 3-2, but the side looked shaky once again defensively.
United have now kept just three clean sheets from 20 games in all competitions this season – and Rangnick is under no illusions where his team’s problems lie.
“The major target for me is just to bring more balance to the team,” Rangnick admitted as he spoke to the press on Friday morning for the first time since joining the club.
“We conceded two goals yesterday and if you look at the total of number of goals conceded, it is an average of two a game.
TRANSFER NEWS: Man Utd interim boss Ralf Rangnick ‘wants to discuss’ signing Timo Werner from Chelsea
The 13-times Premier League champions moved up to seventh in the top-flight table after dispatching the Gunners and are now just three points behind fourth-placed West Ham.
Rangnick will be desperate to make an instant impact at Old Trafford following his arrival, with club chiefs no doubt handing him the task of ensuring the club qualify for next season’s Champions League.
And the new boss could hardly have a better fixture list to get his teeth stuck into over the festive period.
After welcoming the Eagles, United host Young Boys in the Champions League, having already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.
The Red Devils then face trips to strugglers Norwich and Brentford, before playing host to Brighton ahead of Christmas.
Rangnick’s side then travel to Newcastle before ending the year against Burnley at Old Trafford.