Manchester United captain Harry Maguire says the players must take the blame for the club’s current state of disarray as he underlined Ralf Rangnick’s positive impact at the club.
The interim manager suffered the first defeat of his short reign so far against Wolves, their first game of 2022, in what was a culmination of a string of below-par displays.
The 1-0 loss raised further criticism of players who had already lost three times at home this season and were facing a fight to finish in the top four.
Manchester Evening News understands that players are becoming ‘sick to death’ of the dwindling standards at the club as the mood around the club worsened.
In a defence of his manager, Maguire said: “He has made an impact – we win together and lose together. The manager is there to set us up tactically which we absolutely take on board. We listen to him and his staff. It’s up to us once the game starts.
“Every club has issues, not just us, and some of their issues are much bigger than ours. But yes, it does come with the territory at United.
“His detail and preparation are enormous, we have full respect and trust in his methods. Yes, it’s difficult when the coaching team changes mid-season like it does at loads of clubs.
“[But] I will say it again – it’s down to us as players. The quality and leaders are in the team to ensure we finish the season in the top four and with a trophy.”
The Reds’ pre-season expectations were dramatically derailed as they endured a torrid run under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer which led to his dismissal.
The club crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle and may face a similar fate when they host Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Monday.
Magure, though, remains confident Rangnick can cap his reign with a top-four finish or silverware.
He added: “For sure [still confident of a top-four or a trophy this season]. Like I said, we finished second last year and we have an even better squad now. We need to start winning and playing well as a team.”
“We haven’t won the FA Cup enough in recent years. Wayne lifted it last [in 2016]. We’ve got the players to do it, absolutely. We’ve been in so many semis and the Europa League final last year. We just need to get that one trophy and kick on again.”
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