Ralf Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November and has overseen a recovery in the Premier League, picking up 25 points from 12 games to take Man Utd from sixth to fourth; Bruno Fernandes: "We have been doing so well since he arrived. We have more identity as a team"
Wednesday 23 February 2022 20:27, UK
Bruno Fernandes believes Manchester United have "more identity" under interim boss Ralf Rangnick and insists stories of dressing-room unrest are nonsense.
Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November and has overseen a recovery in the Premier League, picking up 25 points from 12 games to take United from sixth to fourth. In that same period, only leaders Manchester City have collected more points.
Despite United's improvement in the league, rumours of discontent in the dressing room have continued to circulate, prompting several players including Marcus Rashford and captain Harry Maguire to speak out.
Last month, Sky Sports News was told of cliques within the first team and players struggling to adapt to Rangnick's methods, but Fernandes dismissed the reports and highlighted the side's unity in Sunday's 4-2 win over Leeds.
"We have to follow what the manager and staff think is the best way for us. Here at this club I have never heard anyone complain about the tactics and I hope no one would do," Fernandes told reporters ahead of United's trip to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
"That doesn't respect the coach's ideas because I think we have been doing so well since he arrived. We have more identity as a team."
He added: "I don't know what people mean by [these stories] honestly. I was doing an interview and they asked me about Jadon [Sancho] doing my celebration. I don't think that is something that is going in different ways.
"I saw the goal of [Maguire] and I'm seeing Paul [Pogba] running behind him sliding on his knees. Everyone was happy for him. I was slapping [Maguire's] head and saying 'finally you score with that big head'.
"So, I think honestly it's just people trying to complain and make up stories about this club, because we know when someone talks about us they go around the world with their voice and that's something they want.
"For us, it means nothing. We stick to the plan and we stick together. That's the main thing - sticking together and winning together."
Speaking at the same press conference, Rangnick insists the Champions League is "never a distraction" as he prepares his side for Wednesday's "hostile" trip to Atletico Madrid.
In the Premier League, seven points separate fourth-placed United and eighth-placed Tottenham, but Spurs - as well as Wolves and Arsenal above them - are not involved in European competition.
Asked if the Champions League could derail his side's efforts to finish fourth in the Premier League, Rangnick said: "The Champions League is never a distraction. That's why every team qualified and we're desperate to qualify for next season's Champions League.
"If we want to qualify for the Champions League next season, how can it be a distraction? This is why we are playing here and why we are all here working for this club. We want to play in the Champions League and we're playing against one of the best teams in Europe. Of course, we want to show everybody that we are able to beat this team.
"Maybe it's not the biggest chance but it's still a chance if you win the Champions League, you can also qualify for the Champions League, but in order to do that we have to first make sure we play two top games against Atletico and hopefully at the end of those two games we will be able to proceed into the next round."
If Rangnick is to win a trophy during his interim reign as United manager, it can only be by delivering the club's fourth European Cup.
The game at Atletico is the first time the German has managed a team in the Champions League knockout phase since his Schalke side was beaten in the semi-finals by Sir Alex Ferguson's United in 2011.
While Atletico are the defending Spanish champions, United haven't won a trophy since the 2017 Europa League under Jose Mourinho.
"To say that a club like United should regularly be in the semi-final of the Champions League is not unique (to them)," Rangnick said. "I can recall a few other clubs in Europe where this could also be the case.
"We had a game on Sunday, a very physical one. Atletico played away at Osasuna on Saturday, so there might be a slight advantage in regard to recovery on their side. We obviously made sure the players could recover the last two days.
"We need to play tactically and physically on a high level, and mentally we will need to be prepared for a very emotional, hostile atmosphere, especially in their stadium.
"They (Atletico) are always an emotional side and this reflects the character of the manager. Diego Simeone is probably one of the best emotional managers in Europe. The way his team play reflects those emotions.
"This is what we are all aware of, but I think we have enough experience in the team. It's about getting the best possible result. I don't think the fixture will be decided tomorrow. It will be decided in the second leg at Old Trafford."
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville gives his reaction to Manchester United's 4-2 win over Leeds and says the next month will define the season for Ralf Rangnick's side.
United took a 2-0 lead into half-time at Elland Road on Super Sunday, but were pegged back by two goals within a minute from Rodrigo and Raphinha. They did, however, rally to survive a scare and extend their unbeaten run to seven games.
Neville spoke about how United need to cut out those "mad moments; those five-minute periods where they concede two goals" and how the next month is crucial for hopes of finishing in the top four and progressing in the Champions League.
He also spoke about his belief that interim boss Ralf Rangnick will not get the job at Old Trafford on a permanent basis in the summer, but that he is in the strongest position to help make the decision as to who will replace him at the helm.
Follow this link to read the former Manchester United defender's verdict or listen to the podcast below...
Atletico Madrid (away) - February 23, Champions League last-16 first leg
Watford (home) - February 26 - Premier League
Man City (away) - March 6 - Premier League, live on Sky Sports
Tottenham (home) - March 12 - Premier League, live on Sky Sports
Atletico Madrid (home) - March 15 - Champions League last-16 second leg
Liverpool (away) - March 20 - Premier League, live on Sky Sports
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