Only two players in Manchester United’s team, according to manager Ralf Rangnick, have the mentality to ‘improve their performances’ after conceding a goal.
On Sunday, Manchester United were humiliated 4-1 by rivals Manchester City in a contest that underscored the disparity in class between the two clubs.
After City’s Kevin De Bruyne scored after just five minutes, Jadon Sancho equalized with a curling attempt on the 22nd minute.
However, just six minutes later, De Bruyne scored his second goal of the game, and the Red Devils self-destructed in the second half.
Riyad Mahrez’s brace put the icing on the cake for Pep Guardiola’s side, raising major doubts about United’s attitude after falling down by two goals.
Rangnick believes his team can’t ‘overcome adversity,’ and that only Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw are willing to step up when United concedes, according to ESPN.
Rangnick’s Old Trafford side has drawn five games in which they had previously led, which is cause for concern for the German and his staff, as well as the team’s capacity and desire to come back from a deficit.
After Rangnick noticed a mentality issue in his team shortly after his arrival, United hired Sascha Lense, their first-ever sports psychologist, in December, but the new member of the staff has clearly been unable to affect the majority of players.
Former United captain Roy Keane was quick to point out how Ranginck’s side ‘gave up’ after the game, telling Sky Sports: We saw all of United’s flaws tonight, the way United lost the game today.
“They stopped running, there was no running back, which is just unacceptable when you play for Man United, and I believe they gave up.”
“You might argue the worst thing about United is that they gave up.” Giving up in a derby — or any game, for that matter – is unacceptable.”
“I’d forgive mistakes, but you’ve got to rush back,” the former Sunderland boss concluded. ‘You should never play for Manchester United again,’ I think to five or six players.
“It’s a disgrace, a disgrace that you can’t run back and risk your life.”
Questions have been made about Harry Maguire’s leadership at United in the past, and if the former Leicester City defender is capable of becoming the team’s leader.
The England international has failed to adjust to Rangnick’s tactics, and the high-pressing approach appears to be exposing his major flaws, severely denting his confidence.
It remains to be seen whether Rangnick can resolve the mindset concerns at the Theatre of Dreams before stepping down as a consultant at the end of the season, or whether it will be another item on the list that the former RB Leipzig manager passes on to his replacement.
