Ralf Rangnick happy with “dirty” Man Utd performances ahead of Brentford clash

Man Utd have won all three of their Premier League games under Ralf Rangnick by a single goal, including the weekend’s 1-0 victory over strugglers Norwich, ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Brentford

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Rangnick sees several areas of improvement after Norwich win

Ralf Rangnick will be happy with another “dirty away win” for Manchester United at Brentford on Tuesday night.

United edged past Norwich 1-0 on Saturday, thanks to a late Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, after labouring for much of the game at Carrow Road.

The hard-earned win made it two victories in as many Premier League games for interim boss Rangnick, who will accept another scrappy triumph against Thomas Frank’s side.

“We call those dirty away wins, 1-0,” said Rangnick.

“Those normally are the nicest ones, but in the second-half against Norwich, in my opinion, we conceded too many corners and free-kicks from the side.

“So, until the very last minute, the game could have gone in the other direction.

“We needed a fantastic goalkeeper and a few headers from the centre of defence to keep a clean sheet.”

David De Gea made a series of crucial saves at Norwich to preserve United’s clean sheet, their second under Rangnick, who made the defence his priority upon taking over.

Although De Gea was the hero at Norwich, Rangnick said United had stopped conceding goals because they have been defending collectively, from the front to the back of the side.

“You can only achieve that as a whole team,” said Rangnick. “It’s not only the back four or the two sixes or the goalkeeper.

“The whole team has to defend in unison, together as a team. So far, we have two clean sheets in the league and 1-0 again at Norwich, where it was a difficult game.

“We were fully aware how Norwich would play, but on the other hand, it’s a question of how you react to that. The reaction of the team is vital, especially in away games.

“In the end, we had another clean sheet, which is most important, and another three points.

“Now it’s about taking the next steps. It’s easier to take those steps if you’re winning games.

“It was the third consecutive win in the league this season and the second clean sheet. Those are the things we can build up upon.

“In defence, the full-backs, centre-backs and two sixes did extremely well. Now we have to try and raise the level we play against the ball up front.”

United have been hit by a Covid outbreak, with several players and staff returning positive lateral flow tests, which could impact on Rangnick’s team selection tonight.

“On Monday, before and after training, we can decide on that,” said Rangnick. “I saw the Brentford game against Watford.

“They are another high-intensity team, maybe more physical even than Norwich. We need to be aware and prepare for that different level of intensity.

“A few players are available again. Luke Shaw was in the squad, maybe Aaron Wan-Bissaka might be available for Tuesday, even Edinson Cavani might be an option.”