Rangnick: This will give us energy

Sunday 20 February 2022 17:29

Manchester United's interim manager Ralf Rangnick was delighted with the reaction of his team as we scored another two goals to beat Leeds 4-2, after the Yorkshire club had cancelled out our first-half lead.

The Reds took control of the match before the break, with Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes both powering in headers.

And despite Rodrigo and Raphinha both scoring in the second half to make it 2-2, substitutes Fred and Anthony Elanga got on the scoresheet to seal the win for Rangnick’s side.

After the match the boss spoke to MUTV and Sky Sports and provided his take on the competitive fixture…

Rangnick: Leeds win was emotional! Video

Rangnick: Leeds win was emotional!

Ralf explains why he is so proud of the boys after a mature performance at Elland Road...

OVERCOMING LEEDS TEST

“[It was] my first as a manager but I was here back in 1993 with VfB Stuttgart. That was the former European Cup, the now Champions League, Stuttgart against Leeds, and the atmosphere I can remember was similar to today. It was a great game to watch, not for the two managers, but for us highly important, and after conceding those two goals, we showed fantastic reaction, we showed maturity and unity on the pitch and that’s why I’m proud with that the boys did today.”

ON THEIR SECOND GOAL

“I spoke to the referee after the game about the tackle on Bruno before they scored their equaliser, he said listen in Germany they wouldn't have even asked VAR and the referee said quite frankly this is why you had to come to England.”

CONTROL WAS KEY

“You could see how quickly things could change, we had a similar experience at Aston Villa and today it’s not easy for the players, and also for us as the staff members, to say ‘not again, please’. The reaction we showed after the second goal, it took us five minutes to shake ourselves but after those five minutes, we come back into the game, we controlled the game in the last 20 minutes, could and should have scored another two goals. I think the first chance Anthony Elanga had was almost bigger than the one he took at the end.”

WE KEPT CALM

“As far as I know there is an investigation going on from Leeds United [about potential objects being thrown]. I don't think anything happened in the end. Anthony Elanga looked well but he was happy about scoring his goal. Obviously things like that should not happen and I think ever more so in this game, the atmosphere was great at times we had to cool down but this is what I tried to do when I walked on to the pitch. I didn't want anything to happen with regards to yellow or red cards. In moments like this I think it's important to try and keep cool.”

BUILDING MOMENTUM

“[The win] was great for everybody in the club, for supporters, for the players, for us, we knew that we had to win, even more so after yesterday’s results. Let’s keep it going. I hope this experience today will also give us additional energy for the Champions League and upcoming games in the Premier League.”

Rangnick's attention now turns to Wednesday's trip to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

TOP-FOUR PUSH

“We know that [we need to win]. It will not change for the rest of the season. We have to get as many points as we possibly can and that was one of those games that we had to win.”

Fred came on as a substitute to score a vital goal against Leeds.

WINNING FOR THE FANS

“I think the supporters are always great. The same was true today. It was a highly emotional game and in the end I think quite rightly the players celebrated together with our supporters.”

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