Manchester United “do not deserve” to play in the Champions League next season if they perform how they did against Everton for the rest of the season according to boss Ralf Rangnick said Manchester United. The Red Devils lost 1-0 at Goodison Park despite Everton going into the game just a point above the relegation zone. The outcome of the game has dented United’s chances of finishing in the top four and securing Champions League qualification.
“If we play like we did here we just don’t deserve it,” said Rangnick.
“The players themselves should be eager to play international football, if possible Champions League. In order to qualify for Europe you have to be able to score in 95 minutes in a game like this.”
Everton came into the match following a disappointing 3-2 defeat by relegation rivals Burnley, who sit just one place below them in the table.
Rangnick lamented at his side’s lack of ability to score against Everton, who he believed were low on confidence following that loss to Burnley.
“With all respect to Everton – because they have a good team – but if you don’t score against a team who conceded three goals against Burnley, you cannot expect to get anything out of it,” he added.
“The first 25 minutes we were in full control of the game. We didn’t even in those 25 minutes take enough advantage out of that dominating period.
“You could literally feel that Everton were crumbling after that result against Burnley. They were quite logically not full of confidence but we didn’t take advantage of that.”
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United have won just eight of the 17 Premier League games Rangnick has overseen – the lowest win percentage (47%) of any manager for the club in the competition.
“I don’t think this should be an excuse,” Rangnick told BT Sport. “We are Manchester United. We have lots of international players. There shouldn’t be an alibi.
“There will be a new manager next season. If this is announced now or in 10 days it shouldn’t have an impact.”
Manchester United edged closer to appointing Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their new manager at the end of the season.