The Frenchman is back in training but it remains to be seen if he can do anything about the team’s lack of confidence or defensive deficienciesThe Manchester United of the past would have left Villa Park on Saturday evening with all three points having weathered a second-half storm to win 2-0.
However, this isn’t the Manchester United of the past and, sadly, the Manchester United of the present are plagued with problems that persist regardless of the identity of the manager.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick admitted that, in hindsight, maybe he should have switched to a back three to give the team more defensive solidity against Aston Villa, as Steven Gerrard’s side dominated after the break to earn a deserved 2-2 draw.
However, the German’s in-game management was hardly the only issue on another disappointing evening of Premier League football for United.Mental fragility and familiar midfield problems contributed towards two more dropped points in the quest to finish in the top four.
Let’s start with the latter. In just under two weeks, the transfer window will shut and, as it stands, United are not close to signing anyone.
The club’s stance on the winter window remains the same: it is a difficult time to do business and they will only ever move for summer targets that suddenly become available midway through the season for one reason or another.
History has obviously proven that January signings can have transformative effects on teams.
United need only to go back to Bruno Fernandes’ acquisition to see the impact a new addition can have at Old Trafford.