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    Meet Chris Armas, Man Utd’s new coach who’s never worked in Europe and had horror Toronto reign – but backed by Rangnick

    RALF RANGNICK’s Manchester United revolution is in full swing.The German coach, 63, guided his side to a win in his first game against Crystal Palace.
    Chris Armas will reportedly join Ralf Rangnick’s coaching staff at Man UtdCredit: Getty
    His infamous Gegenpressing style was evident in the narrow 1-0 win over the Eagles on Sunday.
    And now he’s reportedly added to his coaching staff, with claims that Chris Armas will join his coaching staff.
    The American, 49, is said to have formed a strong bond with Rangnick, when Armas was the New York Red Bulls assistant coach and later head coach.
    Rangnick worked at the MLS side as director of football.
    But in his last role Armas was sacked as Toronto FC boss following a 7-1 defeat to D.C. United.
    CREDIBLE PLAYER
    A hard-working midfielder, Armas began his career in the MLS with LA Galaxy.
    After two seasons in California, he was signed by Chicago Fire – where he would become a club legend.
    Over nine years, he appeared 273 times for the club before retiring in 2007.
    In international football, Armas turned out initially for Puerto Rico in friendlies, before switching allegiance to the United States.
    Armas was a combative midfielder for Chicago FireCredit: Getty
    Although he appeared 66 times for his country, Armas missed out on playing for the US in a World CupCredit: Reuters
    From 1998-2005, he played 66 times for his country, scoring twice.
    However, he never managed to appear in a World Cup – sadly missing out in 2002 because of a knee injury.
    MOVE TO COACHING
    A year after retiring from the game, Armas began his coaching badges with Chicago Fire.
    He then continued his apprenticeship at Adelphi University in New York, working with the women’s football team.
    In 2015, Armas returned to the MLS with New York Red Bulls – eventually taking over as first team coach, when the recently sacked Leipzig coach Jesse Marsch moved to RB Salzburg in 2018.
    Under Armas, they finished first in the regular season, winning the Supporters’ Shield. However, they faced heartbreak in the playoffs when they were eliminated by Atlanta United.
    The next season, his first full one, the club finished sixth in the Eastern Conference to once again reach the playoffs, until they were knocked out by Philadelphia Union in the first round.
    Armas scored some success with the NY Red Bulls, where it is said he impressed RangnickCredit: Getty
    NY Red Bulls recorded the fastest ball recoveries in the league under ArmasCredit: Getty
    What was most impressive in the team’s style of play was the New York Red Bulls had the fastest ball recoveries in the league, with the highest press, and played the most direct attacking style.
    By 2020 though, their form had dipped and he parted ways with the club with the team misfiring.
    CANADIAN ADVENTURE
    This year, Armas’ coaching expertise was needed at Toronto FC.
    It was a tenure that would last just six months, before he was given the bullet.
    In 15 games, his side had a dismal record – winning just twice, drawing three and losing 10 games.
    A 7-1 defeat to D.C. United was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and he was dismissed soon after.
    Following a dismal spell, Armas was sacked from his last role as Toronto FC bossCredit: Getty
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    His spell at Toronto was perhaps best remembered for falling out with former Premier League striker Jozy Altidore, who he forced to train alone after the ex-Sunderland star questioned being substituted for a youth player.
    Despite that, Rangnick believes in Armas’ methods.
    And with a shared ethos for getting the ball back from the opposition quickly and the Gegenpress, the United manager will see his appointment as crucial as he begins to assemble his own backroom staff.
    Rangnick presented as interim Manchester United boss More

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    Ralf Rangnick adds to Man Utd coaching staff as he appoints Chris Armas with American granted work permit

    RALF RANGNICK has reportedly made his first appointment at Manchester United by recruiting Chris Armas.German coach Rangnick took charge of the Red Devils last week on an interim basis until the end of the season before beginning a role as a consultant.
    Chris Armas has been granted a work permit to join Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Ralf Rangnick has made his first appointment at Old TraffordCredit: Rex
    Michael Carrick, who assisted the sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, was placed as caretaker but left the club last week after the win over Arsenal.
    That left Rangnick, who led United to a victory over Crystal Palace in his first game in charge yesterday, needing to add to his staff.
    The 63-year-old interim manager is understood to have contacted New York Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber regarding a role at Old Trafford.
    Now ESPN’s Taylor Twellman has claimed that Rangnick has turned to American coach Armas.
    It’s claimed the 49-year-old is joining United’s coaching team, and he could potentially be No.2.
    He has been granted a work permit and will travel to England in the next few days to take up the position.
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    Armas and Rangnick are believed to have been close for several years and formed a bond when the former was the New York Red Bulls assistant coach and later head coach.
    Rangnick worked at the MLS side as director of football.
    Armas, who is from the Bronx in New York, left Red Bulls in 2020 and briefly took charge of fellow MLS side Toronto FC.
    But he was sacked in July following a 7–1 loss to DC United, the largest loss in the club’s history.
    After finishing his playing career in his homeland, he began coaching as assistant manager of Chicago Fire in 2008.
    He then took charge of women’s team Adelphi Panthers in 2011 before linking up with Red Bulls as assistant in 2015.
    Armas then stepped up to the hot-seat in 2018 for a two-year stint and won the Supporters’ Shield in his first season in charge. 
    He amassed 66 caps for the United States during his playing career.
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    Ralf Rangnick already has Man Utd Gegenpressing with record post-Fergie possession stat revealed after Palace win

    RALF RANGNICK is already having an influence on Manchester United after just days in the job as they recorded a post-Sir Alex Ferguson possession record yesterday.A brilliant strike from Brazilian Fred sealed a 1-0 win for the Red Devils over Crystal Palace as the German celebrated his first game in charge with three points.
    Ralf Rangnick’s influence on Manchester United is already being demonstratedCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils produced a post-Fergie stat record with their pressing against PalaceCredit: Getty
    While the scoreline may not have highlighted their dominance, the stats certainly provided evidence of United’s newfound intensity.
    Rangnick is renowned as the pioneer of the Gegenpress and his new side is already implementing his style.
    And his tactical plan led to them regaining possession 12 times in the final third – the most they have achieved since Fergie left in 2013.
    United also had 61 per cent of the possession during the Premier League clash, a huge increase from recent times.
    Under Michael Carrick, who left the club following Thursday’s 3-2 win over Arsenal, they had 45 per cent against Villarreal, 34 per cent at Chelsea and 45 per cent versus the Gunners.
    Despite having to wait until the 77th minute for the breakthrough, United’s persistence to get the ball back and not let Palace catch their breath thanks to Fred.
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    And even Rangnick expressed his shock at how fast his players took on-board his tactical demands.
    He said: “I must admit I was surprised. I was a bit surprised, because not only did we play Thursday, a late kick-off, we had two days less to recover compared to Crystal Palace.
    “And we had not even a full training session yesterday because it was 45 minutes, it was pouring.
    “It was not just Manchester weather, it was disgusting, it was heavy, raining, windy, so it was almost impossible to train in a concentrated and focused manner.
    “But they still did it. In those 45 minutes on the pitch we explained how we want to play, which manner we want to play and the rest was video footage, a lot of personal conversations with players, individual, in groups, explaining to them how we want to play.
    “I didn’t expect them to play at that level after such a short time.”
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    Michael Carrick’s incredible journey from two-year Champions League depression to successful stint as Man Utd caretaker

    AFTER 15 years, Michael Carrick said an emotional goodbye to Old Trafford.The former Red Devil announced he was leaving the club following a successful stint as caretaker boss and a rollercoaster playing career that saw him hit the highest highs and plummet into a devastating depression.
    Michael Carrick walks away from Old Trafford with his head held high after a successful stint as caretaker bossCredit: Reuters
    His final act, a 3-2 win over fierce rivals Arsenal, meant he ended unbeaten in his three games – with two victories and one draw.
    Speaking to Amazon Prime after the game, he revealed: “It’s not been an easy decision to make but I feel it’s the right one.
    “I was going to take time off after I finished playing and it never happened. It feels like the right time to step away and what a way to finish.
    “It’s 100 per cent my decision. Over the last week I was conscious I respected the club and the manager coming in. I thought it was the right thing to do for the club and for Ralf [Rangnick] and I’m quite happy with that.
    “We were in a situation where there was a responsibility to see these games through. The loyalty to Ole is a little bit of a factor but there were a lot of things that came into my decision.
    “I’ve had great times, great memories and I’m proud of the players over the past three games.
    “I just told them and they were a bit shocked and surprised, a bit emotional in the changing room. I held it together, just about. It’s not been easy to keep it away from people but I had a job to do.”
    Although his future now may belong in managing, it’s as a player West Ham, Spurs and United fans also remember him fondly.
    PLAYING CAREER
    It all started at Upton Park for the humble Wallsend-born midfielder.
    Often an underrated cog in a side, he provided stability for his defence while delivering simple passes to more attacking players.
    Wallsend-born Carrick began his football career at West HamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    It was at Man Utd Carrick enjoyed most success, winning five Premier League titlesCredit: Getty – Contributor
    In 2008 Carrick lifted the Champions League trophyCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    Carrick enjoyed a trophy laden career at UnitedCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    After making his debut aged 18 for the Hammers, where he was a member of their FA Youth Cup team in 1999, he lost two seasons through injury after a growth spurt.
    But he would end up playing 159 times in the East End, winning an Intertoto Cup, before moving to Spurs.
    Two seasons later, Sir Alex Ferguson paid £15million to bring him to the North as a successor to Roy Keane in midfield.
    Trophies that had eluded him at his previous clubs came aplenty at United.
    In all, he won five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and Europa League.
    He was also named Manchester United’s Players’ Player of the Year in 2012-13.
    Louis Van Gaal called Carrick his “trainer coach during the game”. So, it was inevitable what his next move would be.
    TRANSITION TO COACH
    Made club captain when Wayne Rooney left, Carrick announced he would retire after the 2017-18 season.
    Awaiting him was a coaching position and working alongside Jose Mourinho and his assistant Rui Faria.
    “He has qualities we believe that can make him a good coach,” the Special One said before his final game at Old Trafford.
    When Mourinho was sacked, Carrick was kept on at the club and began working with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    Jose Mourinho handed Carrick his coaching apprenticeshipCredit: Reuters
    When Mourinho left, Carrick worked alongside Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty – Contributor
    After becoming caretaker boss, Carrick made the decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo to the benchCredit: Rex
    The pair formed an alliance, often seen deep in conversation in the dugout over tactics.
    But, his calling would soon come as caretaker boss when the Norwegian was dismissed.
    In his first game, he saw off Villarreal in the Champions League with a 2-0 win.
    Then, he his gambled decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo saw his side fight for a 1-1 draw away at Chelsea.
    For his last game, Carrick would bring back a rejuvenated Ronaldo who would score twice, including a winner from the spot in a 3-2 win over Arsenal.
    BEATING DEPRESSION
    However, despite his assured persona, Carrick has had to battle his demons.
    He admitted he punished himself so badly for gifting Barcelona a goal in the 2-0 Champions League final defeat in 2009 that it left him hardly wanting to play for the next 12 months.
    The former United midfielder opened up about his torment in his autobiography Michael Carrick: Between The Lines.
    Carrick wrote: “I was loose with a header and Iniesta was on it in a flash, passing to Messi. Barcelona are ruthless in transition.
    “I was close to Messi but couldn’t prevent him passing back to Iniesta who got ahead of me and Anderson. Iniesta slipped the ball to Eto’o, who got away from Vidic.
    “I slid in but only got close enough to Eto’o to see him score.
    Carrick admitted he punished himself for gifting a goal to Barcelona in a 2-0 Champions League final defeatCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Humble Carrick admitted his mistake saw him sink into a deep depressionCredit: Getty
    “In quiet moments in the weeks after our 2-0 defeat, that passage of play kept returning to haunt me. I couldn’t get it out of my head. It sounds melodramatic, but I’ve never recovered from it.
    “The memory of conceding such a soft goal is always there in my mind. Giving the ball away to any team was dangerous, but to Barcelona it was suicidal.
    “That was the worst I’ve felt on a football pitch after a game by a mile. I was mentally devastated, angry and frustrated by my performance and by United’s.
    “I’ve never talked about Rome with the Boss. I can’t, it’s too painful. Even now, almost a decade on, the gloom from Rome has not completely gone.”
    WHAT RONALDO SAID
    As the dust settles, and Carrick leaves the Theatre of Dreams with his head held high, the question of what happens next remains.
    He will, no doubt, spend time with his family before embarking on his next chapter.
    Harry Maguire was one of the Man Utd stars who said an emotional goodbye to Carrick after the gameCredit: EPA
    Cristiano Ronaldo also wished his old team-mate and manager well for the futureCredit: Getty

    Should that be as a manager, well he has the endorsement of arguably the greatest player the world has ever seen.
    “Michael Carrick was a class act as a player and he can become a great coach as well,” Cristiano Ronaldo revealed on Instagram after news broke that Carrick was leaving.
    “Nothing is impossible for this guy. Personally, I’m proud to have played with him by my side as well as with him as a manager on our bench.”
    Michael Carrick reacts to Man Utd’s 3-2 victory against Arsenal More

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    Man Utd’s worst transfers XI post-Sir Alex Ferguson, including, Di Maria, Depay and De Beek that cost a whopping £431m

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON left Manchester United with the Premier League trophy – but a raft of bad signings has seen it taken away with little sign of returning.An incredible £431.7million has been splashed on 13 dodgy deals in particular by flop bosses ranging from Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was given the boot last month.

    Romelu Lukaku cost an initial £75m and United struggled to find takers when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to offload the Belgian to Inter where he thrived, before re-joining Chelsea.
    A promising first season was lost with a drop-off in 2018-19, scoring at an average of one every three games before leaving for Italy.
    At the very least, Lukaku provided some memorable moments but the same cannot be said for Angel Di Maria.
    The winger arrived with much fanfare in 2014 and quickly dropped off the pace, shepherded out to Paris Saint-Germain where he painfully found the form he lacked in England.
    The next expensive error was Fred who joined for £52m, but he still has time to prove himself at Old Trafford.
    In the slightly more affordable but nonetheless useless category are Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Morgan Schneiderlin, who came in for £30m and £27m respectively.
    Still, United recouped most of the fee they spent on French anchor man Schneiderlin when he joined Everton but Mkhitaryan’s exit saw Alexis Sanchez arrive – making the Chilean’s initial fee cheap and yet still a huge disappointment.
    Among those who arrived with potential and waited until after leaving to go on to great things is Memphis Depay.
    Now a star at Barcelona and with the Dutch national team, his baffling form in the 2015/16 season showed that United had lost their touch when turning young gems into superstars.
    Many United fans point to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward as the chief architect of these abysmal deals.
    While replacing the peerless David Gill was a tough assignment, and finding a man capable of replacing Fergie nigh-on impossible, there are serious questions over his approach.
    Not only are these players examples of bad deals, former managers such as Jose Mourinho were dismayed that not enough players were bought.
    Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind were picked up in 2014 off the back of good World Cup campaigns – a strategy that rarely pays off and cost the club over £30m.
    And although Matteo Darmian was an Italian international when plucked from Torino, Louis van Gaal’s exit cast him to the fringes.
    De Beek’s has had a torrid time at Old Trafford since joining from Ajax for £35m
    Few have flopped in the Prem like Di MariaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Falcao struggled both at United and ChelseaCredit: PA:Empics Sport

    Perhaps the Red Devils thought they were pulling off a cunning piece of Andrea Pirlo-esque business when bringing in Bastian Schweinsteiger but, at 31, the German was far past his best during an 18-month spell.
    Radamel Falcao was still in his late-20s when arriving on loan in 2014 on a £6m fee and massive wage combination yet hit just four goals in 29 games.
    United’s last boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also brought in a few questionable faces to Old Trafford.
    The Norwegian was responsible for recruiting Dutch flop Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £35m last summer.
    But he’s hardly set the Premier League alight, making just four domestic starts since the beginning of last season.
    De Beek’s joined by Jadon Sancho on Solskjaer’s list of poor signings.
    The winger signed from Borussia Dortmund in the summer for a whopping £73m but has only made five appearances in that time.
    However, the English international may prove doubters wrong after netting his first goal, post-Solskjaer against Villarreal last week.
    Of course, not all of Fergie’s signings hit the right note – just ask Kleberson, Eric Djemba Djemba, Juan-Sebastian Veron, Massimo Taibi.
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    Ralf Rangnick warned he faces giant task to turn Man Utd’s season around after awful start by Class of 92 legends

    RALF RANGNICK has been tipped to lead Manchester United into the Prem’s top four.But Class of ’92 stars Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Ryan Giggs have warned the incoming interim-boss of the giant job that awaits him.
    Ralf Rangnick is Man Utd’s new interim manager
    Members of Man Utd’s ‘Class of ’92’ are tipping Rangnick to keep the club in the top four
    Caretaker Michael Carrick remains in the hot seat for tonight’s home game against Arsenal as Rangnick still does not have the work permit required to take up his Old Trafford post.
    But Gary Neville believes the 63-year-old German inherits a “disconnected and disjointed” team that is someway short of the Champions League spots.
    Butt reckons the players must drive the standards rather than Rangnick, who takes over from the axed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the hectic winter period with limited coaching time.
    Eight-time Premier League winner Gary Neville, 46, said: “We’re 12 points behind Chelsea, it’s been a terrible start to the season and the manager has lost his job.
    “For Ralf Rangnick, to finish in the top four would be a successful season.
    “If we could win the FA Cup that would be incredible.

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    “He has to somehow get those players, who have looked so disconnected and disjointed in the last two or three months, sorted straight away.
    “They have lost all their confidence, haven’t really got a system of play and are not very good defensively.
    “He’s got a big job to do but top four has to be the target for him this season.”
    Butt won six league titles with United, including the glorious Treble-winning season of 1999 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
    The former midfielder, 46, said: “I was fortunate to play with amazing players and we drove ourselves. We knew the standard needed to be high.
    “We’d take the can for each other and we’d understand we would have to pull ourselves out of the dungeon to get up to the top. We’d be calling each other out.
    “The manager sets the tone but it’s up to the players to manage that day-to-day.
    “You can’t ask a manager to help you get on a pitch, give your all, work hard and do what is expected of a Man United player.
    Rangnick’s got to get the confidence back in the team and start winning and competing again against teams above them like Liverpool, Chelsea and CityPhil NevilleOn Rangnick
    “The players have to look at themselves before the manager.
    “The challenge for Rangnick is to put the belief in the players and say, ‘Come on, it’s time you stepped up to the plate and manage yourselves’.
    “You’ve got World Cup winners in the dressing room, players who have won things, big superstars and they should be able now to demand off each other.
    “It’s difficult for a new manager to come in at this time of the season.”
    Former Red Devils defender Phil Neville, 44, added: “The expectation at Manchester United is always to win and that’s probably what cost Ole his job.
    “Rangnick’s got to get the confidence back in the team and start winning and competing again against teams above them like Liverpool, Chelsea and City.
    “This is Manchester United. He has to compete, win trophies and get to cup finals and that will mean United are successful.”
    It was a sad day when he left but it was a day everyone expectedNicky ButtOn Solskjaer Getting Sacked
    Brother Gary added: “Lingard, Pogba, Rashford, Greenwood, McTominay have come through the development path.
    “Ole had belief in the young players but the problem for United is the senior players in the dressing room aren’t as good as the ones we had to look up to.
    “I look at the other clubs, they have Henderson, Van Dijk, Salah and Alisson at Liverpool, really strong players. Chelsea have Thiago Silva, Jorginho and Lukaku and they are really experienced, whereas Manchester United do not have a strong group of experienced players yet.
    “Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane have only just come in.
    “If they can get them together then there is an opportunity for those young players to grow.”
    The Class of ’92, speaking on a live stream with ZujuGP’s Facebook page, played alongside Ole but agreed he had to go.
    Butt said: “It was a sad day when he left but it was a day everyone expected.”
    Giggs said: “We’re Manchester United and we expect to be competing for the Premier League.
    “A few games in and we’re not doing that. Unfortunately, it had to come towards an end.”
    Solskjaer was sacked as Man Utd manager after being spanked 4-1 by Watford
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    Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick spotted on Old Trafford pitch for first time during tour of stadium with John Murtough

    NEW Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has taken his first steps around Old Trafford.The ‘interim manager’ was given a stadium tour by football director John Murtough.
    New Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick took his first steps around Old Trafford today
    Rangnick was given a special guided tour of Old Trafford today
    The 63-year-old will NOT be in charge for United’s home game against Arsenal on Thursday, with caretaker Michael Carrick in the dugout.
    And he faces a race against time to be in charge for the home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday, due to visa issues.
    Because he has not had enough managerial jobs over the last five years, he does not meet the criteria from the Home Office by default.
    So, according to The Telegraph, the 63-year-old’s case will be heard by a panel who will have to fast-track the application.
    Rangnick has held various director-type roles in the past five years, his latest with Russian side Locomotiv Moscow.
    He was announced as the man to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was sacked after the dismal 4-1 defeat at Watford.

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    The German, hailed for his tactical nous, has agreed a six month ‘interim’ role, with him taking a two-year consultancy position after this.
    But Michael Carrick is continuing to lead training and matches until Rangnick can officially start his new job.
    Rangnick IS expected to be in the stands for the mouthwatering clash against Arsenal on Thursday.
    SunSport revealed today that Rangnick has arrived in the UK and will be allowed into the Old Trafford stands providing he continues to test negative for Covid.
    Now the Daily Star’s Jeremy Cross has claimed he will be in attendance for the Premier League showdown at the Theatre of Dreams.
    Rangnick was taking it all in today at Old TraffordCredit: oliverhunt365@gmail.com
    Rangnick is in a race against the Home Office to be in charge for the Crystal Palace gameCredit: Getty
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    Ralf Rangnick’s tactics at Man Utd will see aggressive high-energy press, inverted wingers and questions over Ronaldo

    MICHAEL Carrick denied there had been any input by new interim coach Ralf Rangnick into the side he put out at Chelsea on Sunday.In truth, despite the surprise decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo in favour of a front three of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and – as a false nine – Bruno Fernandes, that seemed very much the case.
    Cristiano Ronaldo faces an intriguing future at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Manchester United dropped off to allow Chelsea possession on Sunday
    United dropped off to allow Chelsea domination of possession and despite cashing in on Jorginho’s blunder to go ahead, were hanging on for a draw at the end of the game.
    Whether the German will be able to have an immediate effect for Thursday’s game with Arsenal at Old Trafford is also unclear.
    United hope to get Rangnick’s visa processed swiftly but it still means a maximum of two full training sessions ahead of the match.
    But what United fans can expect is a radical change in approach – and a signal that Rangnick’s side will be much more similar to protege Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool than some of the stuff they have been served up with under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    That will probably mean the sort of aggressive high press Liverpool have used with less frequency in the past two seasons, although it is something that is still in the Anfield locker.
    Liverpool’s press saw Thiago pounce high up to score against Southampton
    Ralf Rangnick’s RB Leipzig threw men forward to counter when he was in charge
    Rangnick has always believed that winning the ball back early is a critical element in the game-plan, that forcing errors and turnovers high up the pitch increases the opportunity for chances and goals.
    That means, too, numbers up in support – normally from a basic 4-4-2 formation – when the ball is won back.
    You won’t have too many loiterers in a Rangnick team, especially in midfield.
    What that might mean for Ronaldo, at 36, or Paul Pogba long-term will certainly be interesting to see.
    If the message gets through on Thursday, you can expect to see Rashford and whoever operates with him to put Arsenal’s central defenders Gabriel and Ben White under far more pressure.
    But Rangnick’s sides in Germany, Hoffenheim and Leipzig in particular, tended to operate with “inverted wingers” – nominally wide players who operated in more narrow areas behind the front duo – to help both the press and the intensity.
    Timo Werner was expert at cutting inside under Rangnick at Leipzig
    United’s full-backs would have to get forward in an ‘inverted winger’ system
    Marcus Rashford would find himself deployed more centrally under the German
    If that is how United play, Rangnick will instruct Sancho and, potentially, Mason Greenwood, to prevent Arsenal playing short to Thomas Partey and Albert Lokonga.
    At the same time, the United full-backs will stay wide, seeking to prevent Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka being the Gunners’ “out-balls” although it will see the Arsenal full-backs as the easy passing option.
    Rangnick is not set in his shape, so can operate with just one striker and an extra man in the second line of the pressing “trap”.
    But what United players and fans alike can anticipate is that expectation of extra effort and intensity from the outset.
    Rangnick wants to force opponents into playing difficult passes into crowded areas, to manufacture an early – and potentially flawed – decision.

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    Pushing his own full-backs into more advanced roles squeezes the space as well, adding to the sense of a blanket of shirts suffocating opponents as they attempts to play out.
    And while the press is about winning the ball, Rangnick is equally keen to see won possession utilised at speed as well.
    In the Bundesliga, Rangnick ordered his teams to try to capitalise on regained possession by playing forward rather than square and to create shooting opportunities within just 10 seconds of getting possession.
    So no more passing for the sake of passing while winning the ball back merely to have possession would go counter to everything the new interim boss will preach.
    Unlike Rashford, Nemanja Matic could spend more time defending out wide
    If there is an impact on Thursday, that will be clear from the amount of attempts at goal, balls played to Rashford in particular – or Ronaldo if he is utilised in a central role – with the wide players expected to race up in support and run in behind, operating in a much more narrow shape.
    With his own full-backs pushing on, there will be an onus for the midfielder holders – likely to be two from Fred, Namanja Matic and Scott McTominay – to fill the void behind them.
    That will see them having to move into defensive roles out wide on occasion and might be among the biggest changes for the players to take on board.
    It does have plenty of risk and jeopardy, especially given the limited time to work on the training ground over the next few weeks with the relentless programme of games in December.
    The other issue, as Rangnick’s role with the first team is only supposed to run for six months, is whether the players are ready to buy into the approach and sacrifice themselves physically.
    Ronaldo’s workrate was questioned after he allowed Christian Pulisic to cross
    There will no longer be the classic Mourinho-style “low block”, which gives players the chance to rest in games.
    Instead, high energy football will be demanded – arguably more in keeping with United standards and traditions.
    It requires fitness, freshness and hunger from players, an approach that many Old Trafford fans have been crying out for. 
    But it is not unreasonable to suspect that such a sea-change will take weeks at least, if not months, to be fully immersed into a squad. 
    Expecting it all to change on Thursday would be somewhat unfair. The United supporters, though, will be looking for the first signs of a new cast of mind.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
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