Pundit slams ‘unacceptable’ Man United and fears they can ‘kiss top four goodbye’
Ralf Rangnick must sort out the Man United defence or the club can “kiss the top four goodbye”.
That’s according to former Leeds stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about where the Red Devils need to improve.
Before Sunday’s (5 December) game against Crystal Palace, Man United had conceded 24 goals in 14 Premier League games.
Against Palace, the Red Devils’ defence held strong as Rangnick’s reign started with a 1-0 win.
This was only Man United’s third league clean sheet of the season and Kenny insists Rangnick will know the defence is the area he needs to focus on.
“They have to sort it out,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“That was clear to see against Arsenal the other night. It was a major problem.
“When you get a goal, you sit deep and don’t take risks, keep it tight.
“Man United didn’t do that, conceded straight away and were back to square one.
“That’s unacceptable at any level, never mind Manchester United.
“They have amazing attackers but you can’t guarantee they will score three goals every game.
“Man United just can’t afford to keep conceding goals, if they do, they can kiss the top four goodbye.
“The foundations of any good team begins with the defence, I’m sure that will be Rangnick’s priority.“
Rangnick was appointed as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s replacement on Monday (29 November).
He left Lokomotiv Moscow after serving as their manager of sports and development since July 2021.
In other news, pundit claims Rangnick may force Cristiano Ronaldo into retirement after Manchester United source’s reveal.