Man Utd’s XI for Chelsea clash if Ralf Rangnick was in charge instead of Michael Carrick

Who is Ralf Rangnick? Man Utd's interim boss in profile

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Manchester United are poised to name Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager. The Red Devils sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last weekend, less than 24 hours after an emphatic 4-1 defeat away at Watford. And Michael Carrick is set to be in charge for their Premier League showdown with Chelsea on Sunday.

United had Carrick in the dugout for the midweek victory over Villarreal on Wednesday, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho scoring to secure all three points.

And with the Red Devils still yet to finalise a deal with Lokomotiv Moscow for Rangnick, he’ll also be in charge for the match with Chelsea on Sunday.

Had United acted sooner, however, Rangnick could have been in the dugout already.

So what if that was the case?

Well, United would potentially line up in the 63-year-old’s favoured 4-2-2-2 formation – which can morph into a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 when they’re out of possession.

There’s very little reason Rangnick, like Carrick, would drop David De Gea if he was in charge for Sunday’s contest.

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The Red Devils have been calamitous at the back this term, conceding 21 goals from 12 matches this term.

But that hasn’t been the fault of De Gea, who has been a shining light.

The Spain international was brilliant against Villarreal, making three big saves to keep the La Liga giants at bay.

And it’s feasible De Gea would start in a back four consisting of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Alex Telles.

Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane are currently injured so Carrick is likely go with the same defence as in the previous game, especially with Luke Shaw a doubt.

Now, this is where things are different.

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Carrick went with Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay for the match with Villarreal, with the pair both putting in solid showings alongside Fred.

Rangnick, however, would likely set them up with just two midfielders – rather than three.

Van de Beek and McTominay would potentially keep their places, with Bruno Fernandes then coming back into the fold.

When in possession of the ball, the playmaker may be loved to the left wing so he can drift back inside when he’s needed to defend.

On the right, Rangnick would likely pick Jadon Sancho.

Carrick is expected to do just that, especially after hailing the former Borussia Dortmund star in his pre-match press conference.

And Rangnick’s fondness for young talent, and admiration of Sancho, makes it plausible he’d get the nod on the right wing.

Carrick had Sancho and Anthony Martial out wide for the match with Villarreal.

But his imminent successor could go with two up top in Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford.

That way, the Red Devils would have pace and potency up top.

And it would also enable the pair to drop deep to help out defensively, especially with Rangnick liking forwards to press from the front and work hard for the team.

Meanwhile, ahead of the match with Chelsea, Carrick was coy when directly asked about Rangnick.

“From my point of view not a lot, speculation and reports are just that,” he said.

“My head is just on the game.

“There’s a lot of different styles and there’s a good group of players here.

“Whoever comes in and whatever is implemented I’m sure they can adapt, there’s some really good talent within the squad, sure they’ll look forward to what’s ahead.”

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