Man Utd hero Hargreaves explains difference between Ralf Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Rangnick reflects on first win as Man Utd manager

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Manchester United hero Owen Hargreaves thinks Ralf Rangnick has already brought a control to the club that was missing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils hired the 63-year-old earlier this month. And they’re hoping to win the Champions League this term, having gone without the famous trophy since 2008.

Manchester United sacked Solskjaer at the end of last month, less than 24 hours after a dire defeat to Watford.

And it’s Rangnick who has now been given the keys to Old Trafford until the end of the campaign.

On Sunday, United got their new era off to a positive start with victory over Crystal Palace.

Fred was the hero for the home side, with the Brazil international finding the net with a stunning shot that sailed into the top corner.

It’s obviously still early days for Rangnick at United.

But Hargreaves, who helped the club win the Champions League title in 2008, has expressed a belief the German has already brought more ‘control’ than what they had before during Solskjaer’s time at the helm.

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“We saw changes against Crystal Palace and that’s what we wanted to see,” he said on BT Sport.

“The clean sheet and the press were big ones.

“United squeezed the pitch and put a lot of pressure on. There were changes but it needed changes.

“The one word Rangnick used is control and I’ve seen every United game this season and they almost didn’t have control in all of those.

“But they had control in the Palace game and he will want to continue that.”

Hargreaves also thinks that Rangnick has a golden opportunity at United given the sheer talent he’s possessed.

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“It’s one of the biggest and best squads in Europe,” said the former midfielder, who also played for Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

“Rangnick has been the manager of 600 games but this will be the best squad he’s ever managed.

“Look at the depth he has and the players he has to choose from. He’s the best with young players and it’s a huge opportunity for those young players.”

Rio Ferdinand was also on BT Sport, admitting United must be better both with and without the ball as they look to turn their season around.

“The control element is with and without the ball,” said the six-time Premier League winner.

“It’s about controlling the opposition as well and I think the ability to not be easy to play against.

“It looked like teams enjoyed playing against United and it was easy to play through them whereas this weekend the signs were there that Palace would not have enjoyed that.

“It’s audition time for these young players. Great to see but again following the traditions of years gone by but like I said he has a real good history of breeding and making players betters.

“That’s what you want. No matter what you spend on players they need improving. He’s somebody who’s very accustomed to doing that.”

Meanwhile, United have named Charlie Savage – son of former midfielder Robbie – on their bench tonight.

And the youngster’s father has teared up ahead of the contest.

“I’m starting to tear up because Charlie has achieved so much in his young life,” he said.

“He’s never been top of the class but his application, his work ethic and desire has got him to where he is.

“My father who’s sadly not with us would be looking down proud of his grandson. Even if he doesn’t get on the pitch, whatever happens for the rest of his life he’s been on the bench for Manchester United.

“He’s done it on his own and all the coaches have played a huge part so I’m absolutely delighted.

“If he gets on to grace the Theatre of Dreams, his nana at home will be in tears now. He’s a great kid and he’ll do everything. He’s a great player and has a wonderful left foot.

“He can run and I think he’s the second fittest at the club. Take it all in because he’s one very lucky boy but a boy who’s worked incredibly hard.”

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