Ralf Rangnick

Rangnick outlines rotation plans

Tuesday 15 February 2022 07:00

Ralf Rangnick admits rotation will be key for Manchester United in the coming days and weeks, as the busy February schedule continues.

The Reds entertain Brighton & Hove Albion tonight (Tuesday), in what is already our fourth game of the month after clashes with Middlesbrough, Burnley and Southampton.

Two huge away matches then lie in wait, with United no doubt facing a lively reception in Leeds this weekend, before our Champions League campaign resumes next Wednesday with a trip to Atletico Madrid.

Watford’s visit to M16 on 26 February rounds out the month and Rangnick is pleased that he can count upon two options in each position across the pitch, as an injection of energy could make all the difference at this point in the season.

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“Yes, it’s possible that we need to rotate, maybe even for tomorrow’s game,” Ralf told club media as part of his exclusive pre-match interview before the meeting with the Seagulls.

“In some positions, we could do with some fresh legs, some fresh energy. We have the next game coming up at Leeds, another intense away game, and then in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid and then Watford.

“We have quite a few games coming up, every three or four days, and that’s why it’s good for me as manager that I have enough players, two players for each position, in order to give some players a rest and others a chance to perform.”

Rangnick has been boosted in this regard by the return of Fred.

The Brazilian had to isolate last week after testing positive for COVID-19 but is available once more and Ralf hinted he would be involved against Brighton.

”Fred will be back in the squad, which is good for us,” he said. “We need his energy and also his physicality in midfield.”

Raphael Varane is also set to continue his recent run of games.

The former Real Madrid defender has started each of United’s eight matches in 2022 so far and is feeling in good physical shape, according to the interim manager.

“Yes, definitely. I spoke to him this morning about how he feels and if he is willing and able to play again tomorrow.

“He said ‘yes’, he feels good and I think the most important step for him was to stay in good health.

“And also, for him, to move to the Premier League was a big difference from the Spanish First Division to the English Premier League. It’s a different type of football, more physical, with more speed and more physicality. It’s good to have him in good shape.

“We need to make sure he doesn’t get injured again. Yes, it’s good to have him in our squad now.”

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