“He has experienced negativity and football cruelty”- Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick talks about Anthony Elanga and other problems at the club

Manchester United suffered a shock defeat to Middlesbrough in the 4th round of the FA Cup earlier this week. The Red Devils were clear favourites to win the tie but had to suffer a penalty shootout defeat after the game ended 1-1 in normal time.

Manchester United opened the scoring through Jadon Sancho in the first 25 minutes of the game. However, the Red Devils had numerous chances to score more goals but they failed to convert their chances. Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty and Bruno Fernandes missed a sitter in the first half itself.

Middlesbrough looked better defensively in the 2nd half of the game and were more compact. The Championship side were waiting for a chance to counter attack and got their moment when Manchester United lost the ball cheaply and were left with only 2 players to defend the attack.

Boro equalised through a controversial goal which many thought shouldn’t have been allowed to stand. However, referee Anthony Taylor and the VAR allowed the goal which was a clear handball and the game was taken to extra time. None of the teams created many chances in extra time and Manchester United lost the penalties with Anthony Elanga missing the decider.

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Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick on Anthony Elanga and other problems at the club:

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick spoke to the media ahead of his side’s crucial game against Burnley in the Premier League. The German manager spoke about Anthony Elanga and the racial abuse the youngster suffered and also about the other problems that the players and the club is facing overall.

Ralf Rangnick said,” What I learned was that there were some comments from some idiots on social media again after the game against Middlesbrough when Anthony Elanga missed that penalty. But again, this is not only a problem of football. It is a social phenomenon or a problem and of course, it gets magnified in the football business because there are so many people reading this.”

The German added,” Yes, I think so far what I have experienced with our club is that we have massive support, including by the way the reaction of the Stretford End with regards to Anthony Elanga. They supported him. He got all the support from teammates. There were several players including Bruno hugging him and going to him, including myself.”

The Red Devils ended by saying,” In the last four weeks, Anthony Elanga has now experienced both sides of this beautiful game. He did extremely well in the past weeks and scored a vital goal against Brentford. Now, in the cup, he’s also experienced negativity and how cruel football, at times, can be.”

The Red Devils boss also spoke about other problems the club is facing with regards to Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani and their absence in the last game. The German was adamant to support his players and defended them in front of the media.

Rangnick said,” Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani are both available and will both be a part of the squad tomorrow against Burnley. Both are top professionals, both have been training well. With regards to Jesse, I have a very good relationship with him, he knows I would have been willing to let him go at least until the issue with Mason came up, he mentioned personal issues.”

The German manager also said,” We have to look forward now, there are no problems whatsoever between myself and Jesse and vice versa. i am very happy to have him in the squad and he will be in the squad for tomorrow night’s game. The same goes for Edinson Cavani.”

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