Ralf Rangnick named the only position Manchester United do not need to upgrade this summer after the comprehensive 3-0 win over Brentford on Monday Night Football.
United recorded the biggest win of Rangnick’s reign in his final home match as interim boss as the Bees were well beaten at Old Trafford in what was a more vibrant attacking display from the home side.
A brilliant opener from Bruno Fernandes was followed by a second-half penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane’s first United goal as the hosts cruised to victory.
Ronaldo also had a goal disallowed as he moved onto 18 Premier League goals. He is now four behind Golden Boot leader Mohamed Salah.
The result keeps alive United‘s slender hopes of Champions League qualification at least until next weekend.
And speaking after the game, Rangnick told Sky Sports: “We were in control for most parts. In possession that was one of our best performances this year. It was the type of performance we wanted to show to our supporters.
“We played with Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic and that gave us some quality in midfield. It was not too easy for Brentford to take the ball away from us. In the first half we played too many square and back passes but in general it was a good performance.
“In the end I’m not happy with the results [overall], especially in the last four or five weeks. Until the West Ham game we were still in the race in three competitions. We had good moments until that West Ham game, we conceded fewer goals but in the last few weeks performances have not been as good as they should have been. In general we have lacked consistency.”
Countdown to Ten Hag begins
Asked about when planning with incoming manager Erik ten Hag begins: “So far we haven’t been able to speak. Erik’s focus is on winning the Dutch league, our focus was on our games.
“It’s obvious quite a few players will leave and there is a need for top-quality players. I strongly believe that if everyone works together we can bring Man Utd back to where we need to be.
“Other clubs only needed two or three transfer windows to challenge but from now on we need to bring in top-quality players who really help raise the level. If this happens then I don’t think it should take too long.”
When asked what specific positions United need to look to strengthen, Rangnick added: “Apart from goalkeeping, where we have three excellent keepers, in all the other areas I think there will be players leaving so we will look all through the team.”
Fernandes happy to reward Old Trafford fans
Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, was happy to give the United fans a good send-off in the club’s final home game of the season.
Elanga’s pace does the job 🏃🌬
Bruno Fernandes gives Man Utd an early lead against Brentford! 💪 pic.twitter.com/y4KjM9WIrs
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 2, 2022
He said: “Last game of the season at home, we wanted to give a good result and good performance. We know our standard has not been the same as we expect but last game of the season we finish well at home. Now we have more games to go so focus on those.
“We know that we always have to give something. The fans have been amazing supporting us. We know that our season has not been at the level it should be but there is nothing we can do now but finish in the best way possible, win games and after think of the next season.
“It is a long time since I scored! Obviously I am happy but those numbers don’t count for me. I want to get numbers with trophies and not with goals.”
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