Ralph Rangnick says Manchester United will be lucky to score a point against in-form Liverpool on Tuesday if they show the same defensive weaknesses they did in a 3-2 win over struggling Norwich.
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Interim manager Rangnik’s pessimism came despite United’s chances of regaining Champions League football the following season, fueled by losses to rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
United trail Spurs – who occupy the fourth and final Champions League place – by three points and on the same number of points as Arsenal, although the Gunners have a game in hand.
Ragnik fears for United’s defense against a vibrant Liverpool side that reached the FA Cup final on Saturday with a 3-2 win over league title rivals Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp’s side remains on course for four trophies – they have already secured a League Cup – as they are City on the table and a point in the Champions League semi-finals.
Rangnik criticized his defense for the two goals handed down to Norwich on Saturday, saying “no other team in the league” gives such gifts.
“Today’s game has been seen by everyone and everyone knows what kind of team we are playing on Tuesday.
“They (Liverpool) have just beaten Man City, they are in the cup final and they may have a chance to win four trophies this season.
“If we play like today, it will be very difficult to score a point.
“That’s what we have to be realistic and aware of. We have to be much better when the opposition is in possession.”
On a more upbeat note for United was Cristiano Ronaldo’s 60th career hat-trick which saw him score 20 goals in all competitions this season.
It is an indictment of the contribution of his teammates that the 37-year-old Portuguese superstar has scored 12 more goals than any of them.
This is the 16th consecutive season that Ronaldo has scored 20 or more club goals in all competitions and has led them to 99 Premier League goals.
However, Ronaldo has had moments when he has shown that he is clearly unhappy with the way things are going at United and doubts that he will see the final year of his contract next season.
Rangnik says Ronaldo’s future will be decided by his permanent successor, with Ajax coach Erik ten Haag likely to be appointed within days.
“In the end, it is not my decision,” said Rangnik, who will remain at Old Trafford as a consultant.
“Cristiano has one more year on his contract. It will be a decision to take the new manager along with the board.
“But he showed against Tottenham and today he can make a difference in games like this.
“It is no coincidence that he holds the record for the best goalscorer of all players in history.”
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