GARY NEVILLE has claimed Ralf Rangnick picked the Manchester United team to face Chelsea.
Rangnick, 63, has not been officially appointed but he is on the verge of a move to Old Trafford.
And after Michael Carrick came under fire for his team selection in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, Neville came to the defence of his former team-mate.
United legend Neville wrote on Twitter: “A lot of people having a go at Michael Carrick for dropping Ronaldo and picking that midfield.
“I’ve a feeling the incoming manager has picked that team as it’s a huge departure from midweek and what they’ve been doing.”
United altered their formation with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho providing pace in attack in place of Ronaldo.
The Red Devils also operated with three defensive midfielders – Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic.
But despite the huge changes Gary Lineker dismissed Neville’s claim.
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He said in response: “No chance of this being true. Zero.”
Carrick also said before the match he was responsible for picking the team, and explained that CR7 reacted well to being named as a substitute.
The Portuguese was accompanied on the bench by Phil Jones, who was selected in a matchday squad for the first time in 650 days.
But Rangnick has flown to England to finalise his move to United.
The German has agreed a deal with the Red Devils but the club is awaiting the green light from Lokomotiv Moscow to allow him to leave.
Carrick – or Rangnick’s – selection worked to an extent with United able to hold on for a point.
Chelsea dominated possession and chances but were wasteful in front of goal, with Sancho scoring after an awful Jorginho error to take the lead.
The Italy international later made up for the howler with a penalty to equalise, but the Blues will be disappointed they only got a point on the day.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
