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Manchester United legend Gary Neville had a conspiracy theory surrounding the team against Chelsea, claiming Michael Carrick didn't pick it.
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Carrick too charge of United on a caretaker basis, following last week's sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and won in the Champions League last Tuesday in his first game in charge.
The former midfielder's spell isn't expected to last long, with Ralf Rangnick expected to take over on an interim boss until the end of the season.
With the German still waiting for his work permit, Carrick took charge again on Sunday, against Chelsea, and boldly decided to drop Cristiano Ronaldo, or did he?
Neville took to social media to claim that he didn't think the caretaker actually picked the team and his theory was that Rangnick was already in charge.
A lot of people having a go at Michael Carrick for dropping Ronaldo and picking that MDF. I’ve a feeling the the incoming manager has picked that team as it’s a huge departure from midweek and what they’ve been doing
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) November 28, 2021
I said I was full of confidence at Valencia in the last month as manager ! https://t.co/wZ5foqPwAh
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) November 28, 2021
As well as dropping Ronaldo, as Solskjaer had done earlier this season for the game against Everton, Carrick picked a three man midfield.
With Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic all starting, it seemed that the Red Devils were preparing for a tough time at Stamford Bridge.
Neville's belief that Rangnick was pulling the strings was only extenuated early in the game as the visitors looked to try and press the Blues' defence from the front, something they'd rarely done under Solskjaer.
Having watched 1min i’m now convinced on influence on the team and style !
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) November 28, 2021
Correct https://t.co/14mbjHiAvm
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) November 28, 2021
Rangnick has a reputation as the 'godfather of Gegenpress,' the system that does see teams press the opposition from the front.
That style has been perfectly implemented by Jurgen Klopp, first in Germany with Borussia Dortmund and now in England with Liverpool.
The Reds' boss said that Rangnick's appointment at Old Trafford was bad news for the rest of the league, something Harry Redknapp doesn't agree with.
Rangnick's likely style at United had already led to pundits wondering if Ronaldo would have a place in the former RB Leipzig boss' team.
The 63-year-old is reportedly set to introduce a countdown clock at United's Carrington training ground in order to get players to win the ball back quicker.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/PA
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Gary Neville, Ralf Rangnick