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Ralf Rangnick Speaks In-Depth About His 4-2-2-2 Pressing Formation After Man United Win

Ralf Rangnick Speaks In-Depth About His 4-2-2-2 Pressing Formation After Man United Win

Ralf Rangnick's reign at Manchester United got off to a winning start.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Ralf Rangnick gave an in-depth analysis of his 4-2-2-2 pressing formation following Manchester United's victory over Crystal Palace.

Rangnick's reign as interim Man United boss got off to a winning start on Sunday.

His side beat Patrick Vieira's Palace at Old Trafford, with the veteran German manager showing a glimpse of his playing style.

Image: PA
Image: PA

He implemented an intriguing 4-2-2-2 formation, with Man United showing off their pressing game following the 63-year-old's arrival.

He spoke fascinatingly about the expansive formation and singled out Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes for special praise following their performances.

"For me, the question was how do we get pressure on the ball, how do we get control? So I decided to play 4-2-2-2 with two strikers, not Cristiano alone up front, together with Marcus [Rashford], using pace for vertical balls," he explained via utdreport.

"At the same time, with Jadon [Sancho] and Bruno on the two 10 positions, for the rest [of the players] it was the same.

"We had enough space with Bruno and Jadon in those 10 positions for our full-backs to play forward and ask for the ball on the wing.

"They [Bruno and Sancho] almost played like wing-backs. Especially in the first-half, Alex [Telles] and Diogo [Dalot], did extremely well offensively and that's why I played 4-2-2-2. I'm a big fan of every player plays in his best possible position."

Rangnick added: "The most challenging, demanding positions in that formation [4-2-2-2] are the two 10s but I still think, especially when Palace was in possession, Bruno and Jadon did well.

"It was a little bit new but not that new, it doesn't make that much difference if Jadon plays a little further inside or outside but defensively, they both did well."

Rangnick only has a couple of days with his team before their next outing.

He takes charge of The Red Devils in the Champions League as they host Young Boys next Wednesday.

Man United resume their Premier League campaign next Saturday at Norwich.

Featured Image Credit: Manchester United

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Ralf Rangnick