Ralf reflects as United conquer the Canaries
Manchester United's interim manager Ralf Rangnick praised 'difference maker' Cristiano Ronaldo for scoring a match-winning hat-trick against Norwich - but felt the afternoon should have been a lot more straightforward after his side went 2-0 up.
United began the clash against Dean Smith's side in scintillating fashion, and had a two-goal lead after 32 minutes, courtesy of a Ronaldo double.
But the visitors responded with a goal either side of the half-time to draw level, setting up a tense afternoon for the Reds.
Rangnick's men rallied after Norwich made it 2-2 and when Ronaldo rocketed home a free-kick to complete his hat-trick, it sealed three points for United on a day when top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal both lost.
Here are the main quotes from Ralf's post-match interview on MUTV...
Rangnick wants more from the Reds
In our interview, Ralf analyses the performance, Ronaldo's hat-trick, shock results elsewhere and a big week to come...
POOR GAME MANAGEMENT
“It should actually have been a less stressful afternoon, even more so after we had scored two brilliant goals. Being 2-0 up should have made life a lot easier for us but it didn’t because we just didn’t defend well enough, for both their goals. We could have conceded even a goal earlier on, in two transitional moments, and it is exactly those things that we need to do a lot better in the upcoming games.”
RISKS PAID OFF
“[It was] quite similar to the games against West Ham and Tottenham, the situations were similar so we had to go all in and take all the risks we possibly could. [We chose to] play only with one holding number six with Nemanja [Matic]. A draw would’ve been a disaster for us, not only with the table but with regards to the atmosphere in the locker room.”
IMPROVEMENT NEEDED FOR LIVERPOOL AWAY
“We have to focus on our own performance. The result was good, it will lift our momentum and the confidence of the team, but we have to be realistic. With that kind of performance it will be almost impossible to get something out of the away game against Liverpool, and then also away against Arsenal and home against Chelsea will be difficult. We need to play better against the ball with more physicality, with more aggressiveness. This was the biggest issue and the biggest thing that I was not happy with today.”
RONALDO'S 60TH CAREER HAT-TRICK
“Yes, it is [remarkable]. Especially the second and third goals were brilliant goals. [He showed] a lot of physicality with the header and he was quite like against Tottenham today, the difference maker.”
ON THE MASSIVE WEEK AHEAD
“Yes, I think everyone is aware of that and we are still in the race, but as I said we have to lift our performance and our level.”