Rangnick hails adaptable midfielders

Friday 01 April 2022 15:05

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Leicester and outlined his belief that midfielders being asked to play different roles is normal.

Over the international break, Paul Pogba was reported to have stated in an interview that he has been asked to play in a variety of positions under Rangnick.

And in his pre-match press conference, the German was quick to respond to this, stating: “I heard that he [Pogba] maybe said he had to play different positions in the last couple of weeks. Yes, of course, because since the game against West Ham, on 22 January, we have lost three strikers since then.”

“If then Paul was injured himself, if then players like Bruno [Fernandes] or Scott McTominay are missing, then, of course, someone else has to play in a different role."

Part 1: Ralf's press conference v Leicester Video

Part 1: Ralf's press conference v Leicester

In part one of his press conference, Ralf discussed Bruno's new contract, Harry's tough week and Pogba's break...

Rangnick added: “If this is somebody like Paul who is a flexible midfield player who can play in a six, eight or even 10, then this is the normal thing.”

The German also maintained his focus is on Saturday’s match against Leicester, reiterating his desire to assess his players by analysing their performances.

“I’ve got enough to do now to prepare the team for the next game, for tomorrow’s game, another important one,” he said.

“I don’t think it makes sense now to interpret or judge what [Pogba] has maybe said in an interview. That doesn’t make sense. For me, it’s only important to judge him [by his performances].”

United take on the Foxes in a 17:30 BST kick-off at Old Trafford on Saturday.

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