Manchester United: Rangnick must unleash Lingard against Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Icon: Football FanCast

Football FanCast

·4 December 2021

Manchester United: Rangnick must unleash Lingard against Crystal Palace

Article image:Manchester United: Rangnick must unleash Lingard against Crystal Palace

New interim manager Ralf Rangnick will take charge of his first Manchester United game over the weekend when they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils steadied the ship under former temporary boss Michael Carrick in recent weeks, stringing together a three-game unbeaten run in all competitions thanks to some battling performances.


OneFootball Videos


An entertaining 3-2 victory over Arsenal last time out saw United jump up to seventh place in the Premier League table and to within three points of West Ham United, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.

Should Lingard start against Palace?

Yes, definitely!

Article image:Manchester United: Rangnick must unleash Lingard against Crystal Palace

Vote

No way!

Article image:Manchester United: Rangnick must unleash Lingard against Crystal Palace

Vote

However, a new era is set to begin on Sunday when Rangnick takes over the reins, potentially sparking a raft of changes in the style of play and team selection.

The 63-year-old is widely regarding as the Godfather of German coaching after popularising his Gegenpressing style of play, either directory or indirectly influencing a host of elite-level coaches.

Rangnick’s philosophy is based around pressing the opposition high up the pitch, attacking vertically and taking a shot within 10 seconds of regaining possession.

As a result, players who fit the profile of Rangnick’s specific system are likely to be preferred by the highly regarded tactician as he looks to transform United’s fortunes over the coming months.

And that could be very good news for Jesse Lingard. The £75k-per-week gem has found himself watching on from the sidelines for the majority of the campaign but could find himself back in the starting XI in the weeks ahead.

So far this season, Lingard has recorded 30 pressures per 90 and 8.18 successful pressures, bettering his teammates in both metrics, as per FBref.com, highlighting his suitability for Rangnick’s style.

With Marcus Rashford currently on a six-game drought since he scored his last goal and struggling for form, now could be the time for the 28-year-old to shine.

Following his return to form last season, England manager Gareth Southgate described the 32-cap gem as “immense”, and now Rangnick must unleash Lingard at club level, providing him with the opportunity to showcase his true quality.

View publisher imprint