‘I’m not sure this would have happened two or three months ago’: Ralf Rangnick delighted with Manchester United’s response to conceding twice in a minute against Leeds – insisting 4-2 win shows his team ARE improving
- Man United conceded two goals in a minute to give away a two-goal lead
- However, they regained control of the game and scored another two goals
- Ralf Rangnick hailed his team’s response as they came through a tricky spell
- He’s admitted that his side may not have dealt with Leeds’ fightback in the past
Ralf Rangnick was delighted with how his side Manchester United side dealt with an early second half setback to overcome Leeds 4-2 at Elland Road on Sunday.
United looked on course for a comfortable win when they took a two-goal lead into the break thanks to close-range headers from Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.
However, Leeds hit back and scored twice in the space of a minute through Rodrigo and Raphinha to level things up at 2-2.
Ralf Rangnick was pleased with how Man United dealt with a difficult start to the second half
United were able to steady themselves, though, and goals from Fred and Anthony Elanga sealed all three points.
Speaking after the match, Rangnick praised the way his team fought through adversity, before admitting that he is unsure whether their response would have been as emphatic at the start of his tenure in November.
‘The five minutes after (Leeds’ equaliser) was really intense, very difficult for us and I think the team showed maturity, we’ve grown together as a team,’ he said on Sky Sports.
‘I’m not sure this would have happened two or three months ago but it happened today and it was important. We showed a reaction in the last 20 minutes and in the end we deserved to win.’
Jadon Sancho (C) and Bruno Fernandes (R) were both heavily involved in Man United’s victory
Man United overcame difficult conditions and a spirited Leeds side to come away with a win
The victory saw United extend their advantage over West Ham to four points as they strengthened their grip on fourth place.
Fellow European hopefuls Arsenal and Tottenham do have games in hand on the Red Devils, though, and Rangnick is well aware that his side needed to find a way past Leeds to maintain the pressure on their rivals.
‘It was a fantastic game to watch if you were not responsible as a manager for either of the two teams.
‘If we want to finish fourth in the league, we cannot afford to lose and drop any more points, even more when you’re 2-0 up and that’s why this was a massive win,’ he said.
