Rangnick impressed with Shaw and McTominay’s character and leadership

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Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has been impressed with Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay’s ability to raise their levels when dealing with adversity.

ESPN report that the German has identified a lack of ability to overcome adversity within the squad he inherited from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Reds were given a pummelling at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday by Manchester City on a day we dropped out of the top four.

Arsenal are a point ahead of the Red Devils with three games in hand.

The 4-1 hammering at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s side was our second defeat under Rangnick during the 63-year-old’s 18 games in charge so far.

But United have only won eight of those games and have surrendered a lead in five matches which we have gone on to draw.

ESPN state that Rangnick and his coaching staff have been ‘alarmed by the manner’ in which dominant performances have quickly unravelled and resulted in United being the side holding on.

United are yet to come from behind and win a game under Rangnick. After conceding the first goal, the twenty-time champions have only fought back to claim a draw against Newcastle and Atletico Madrid.

Despite having a dressing room containing the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo, ESPN report that only McTominay and Shaw have been able to raise their performance when United have fallen behind or lost the lead in games.

The report states: “Sources have said that some players have become distracted by mistakes, which has impacted on their performance, while others have allowed frustrations with teammates and tactics to affect their focus and contribution.

“Rangnick has been impressed, however, by the character and leadership displayed by McTominay and Shaw during difficult periods on the pitch and regards both players as possessing the attributes required in such circumstances.”

Shaw missed Sunday’s mauling due to a positive Covid-19 test and McTominay returned to United’s midfield after missing the last two games through illness.