Rangnick ‘understands’ Man Utd fan disappointment after anti-Glazer protest
United are struggling to break into the top four for a place in next season’s Champions League and find themselves six points off fourth-placed Tottenham.
Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has admitted that he can understand why fans are “disappointed” after a group of them carried out a protest against the Glazer family at the club’s training ground on Friday.
Police were called to United’s Carrington training complex after the group protested against the Glazer family, the club’s owners.
One sign read “Glazers Out” and there are protests planned at Old Trafford on Saturday when United take on lowly Norwich City in the Premier League.
This is the latest protest against United’s American owners, who have been in the charge of the club since 2005. In April 2021, United’s fixture against Liverpool was postponed after protesters made their way onto the pitch at Old Trafford.
As things stand, United are struggling to break into the top four for a place in next season’s Champions League, and find themselves six points off fourth-placed Tottenham with just seven league matches in 2021/22.
Manchester United release statement
Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League home match at Old Trafford, Rangnick said: “We all know that football is a game of passion and emotions. I think we can all understand, and I can understand, that our supporters are disappointed, both about where we stand in the table but also about performances.
“But I still believe that our supporters are one of the best, if not the best, in England, and as long as they do that protest in a peaceful way and as long as they still support the team in the stadium, I think they have the right to express their opinion.
“As I said, emotionally, I can understand why they are disappointed.”
The Premier League outfit released a statement on Friday: “There was a small and peaceful protest outside the Carrington training ground today. We respect the opinions of fans and remain committed to strengthening our engagement with them.”
Ten Hag set to take over at Old Trafford
Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag is set to become the new head coach of United, with Rangnick ready to move to a consultancy role after his brief spell in charge.
The former RB Leipzig boss insists his focus is only on the game against Norwich.
“I don’t know if it’s a done deal,” he continued. “My reply is the same as Erik ten Hag’s was. My focus is on the game tomorrow.
“Again, we all know he is a good manager, that he has done a good job at Ajax and also at former clubs, but right now it doesn’t make sense to tell you what I think about any other coach.”