- Ralf Rangnick, the temporary manager of Manchester United, has defended his players after accusations of a lack of effort in their 4-1 derby loss to Manchester City.
- Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, stated his old squad “were a disgrace in the last 25 minutes” at the Etihad Stadium, while Roy Keane described the second half performance as “shameful” and “unforgivable.”
- When asked about the comments afterwards, Rangnick admitted that City – who won thanks to two goals each from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez – had been the superior team, particularly in the second half, during which United had just 21% possession and failed to register a shot – but refused to accept his players had surrendered once the score reached 3-1.
- “I didn’t get the idea they didn’t make an attempt,” Rangnick remarked.
- “It’s impossible to beat Manchester City, since they are the world’s top possession team. Nobody can be blamed for not trying, although it was tough after the third goal.”
- Rangnick was also obliged to refute reports that Cristiano Ronaldo skipped the game after being informed he would not be included in the starting XI at a tense post-match press conference.
- “I trust my medical department,” he continued.
- “Our doctor came to visit me Friday morning before to training and informed me that Cristiano was unable to workout due to hip flexor issues, and the same was true on Saturday, which is why he was unable to join the team.”
- Edinson Cavani, who returned to training on Thursday, was also absent, forcing Rangnick to start Bruno Fernandes as a false nine.
- “If players inform me that they are not fit to play and are unable to do so, I have to accept that,” Rangnick continued.
- “Edi trained for three days, he trained well, but he still felt unfit to play after those three training sessions. As a manager, I cannot compel a player to play if he is not physically fit.”
