April 23, (THEWILL) – Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United’s interim manager, believes the team needs an “open heart operation” to turn its fortunes around.
As THEWILL previously reported, Erik ten Hag was named as United’s next manager on Thursday, signing a three-year contract with the option of a fourth.
Ten Hag will join a club that is unlikely to compete in the Champions League next season, with United three points behind Arsenal and Tottenham having played one more game.
Rangnick told the media ahead of United’s crucial trip to Arsenal on Saturday that the Red Devils must take vital lessons from their fractured season in order to assist the incoming manager.
“We need positive energy for the new team and the new manager,” the 63-year-old said. “If he gets that, if the right lessons are being learned, this could be one of the few good things about the season we are going through.
“At least you know which kind of screws we need to turn, things we need to change, and, if that happens, why should Erik ten Hag not be able to be as successful as he was at Ajax?
“It’s not the manager’s quality – it’s changing all the other things that have brought the club into a position we are in right now. The good thing – one of the few – is it’s crystal clear. You don’t even need glasses to see the problems.
“Now it’s only about how you can solve them. Not minor cosmetic things. This is an open heart operation. If everyone realises this has to happen and works together, it doesn’t need to take years.
“It can happen within one year. Other clubs have shown it’s possible within three transfer windows,” the German added.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
