Ralf Rangnick hits out at ‘completely untrue’ Manchester United rumours

Ralf Rangnick says the rumours that he has prepared a ‘dossier of shame’ to present to incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag are ‘completely false and completely untrue’.

Ten Hag will replace Rangnick in the Old Trafford hot-seat at the end of the season, with the current Ajax boss signing a three-year deal with United.

Rangnick is expected to have an advisory role at the club for at least the next two years and reports have claimed he has already prepared a ‘dossier of shame’ regarding the Manchester United squad, who have endured another dismal campaign.

But Rangnick has dismissed suggestions he has already warned Ten Hag about the players at Old Trafford and insists he has seen no evidence that the squad are ‘unprofessional’ or ‘selfish’.

‘This is completely false, completely untrue,’ Ten Hag said ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Chelsea on Thursday night. ‘The board has never asked me to prepare a dossier for the board or Erik.

‘This is completely untrue. I’ve also never criticised the attitude of the players as being unprofessional or selfish to anybody. This is not true.

‘I will always protect my players and I have never realised any issues about being not professional or selfish. It’s obvious that the players are looking for reasons why the results haven’t been as good as they should have been.

‘I’m talking to the board quite regularly and exchanging impressions of the current situation. It’s clear we need to build a new squad and a new group of players that will lead this club into areas it should be.’

Rangnick has previously admitted that his continued role at Manchester United will depend on Ten Hag’s approval.

‘So far I haven’t been able to speak to Erik as his focus is on Ajax and my focus is here but I’m definitely excited for this to happen, if he wants that,’ Rangnick added to Sky Sports.

‘I definitely think it would make sense but it’s up to Erik, he’s the manager next season. I’m more than happy to speak with him.’

Manchester United initially impressed after Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager but results and performances soon fell away, with the Red Devils currently just sixth in the Premier League.

Rangnick dismissed United’s Champions League hopes after his side were beaten 3-2 by top-four rivals Arsenal last weekend, although they host a Chelsea side on Thursday who have also struggled for consistency in recent weeks.

Former England midfielder Karen Carney says this evening’s Premier League game at Old Trafford is a battle to see which side is least out of form.

She told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football daily: ‘It’s two teams that are completely out of form.

‘At least with Chelsea there have been factors. I’m not saying that is an excuse, but it’s there and we can’t ignore it.

‘The bigger issue is the contract situation of the defenders. The whole Chelsea side has been built on a strong defence under Thomas Tuchel and they are leaking goals left, right and centre.

‘When half of your back line is potentially moving on it is difficult. It is unsettling and you just see Thomas Tuchel looks tired and drained. It’s totally understandable given everything he has been through and had to deal with.’

Asked what Manchester United have left to play for this season, Carney added: ‘I’d like to think it was for the fans. They have to watch that and it’s been poor, it’s been shocking.

‘They have to go out there and put on a performance that will please the fans because they have let them down this year. The club has as well.

‘The top four has gone and they haven’t deserved it, but go out there and put your best foot forward and try.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.