Ralf Rangnick admits Man Utd would be better off finishing EIGHTH and missing out on European football ahead of Ten Hag rebuild

RALF RANGNICK admits a season away from Europe could help new boss Erik Ten Hag rebuild Manchester United.

The Red Devils are now outsiders for a Champions League th place and could even end up eighth outside the Europa places if wolves catch them.

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No European football helped Jürgen Klopp at the Liverpool in his first full season with the club and Mikel Arteta has benefited from free midweeks in setting up arsenal again in the top four in this campaign.

Rangnick said: “It could be an advantage but that doesn’t mean we’re going to give away any of the remaining four games. For us it is clear and our obligation.

“It’s our job, my job, the players’ job, that we try to get the best possible results and then at the end of the season see in which position we will finish.

“Now talking about whether that would be an advantage or not makes no sense because if I did that it would be reinterpreted.

“For me it’s important that we get results, that we play as well as possible, because that will also influence the atmosphere and mood for the new season.”

Rangnik however, admits that even an unlikely four wins won’t put them in the top four now.

They have lost three of their last four games and are sixth, six points behind fourth-placed Arsenal after playing a game more.

He said: “I don’t think it makes sense to talk and speculate about the Champions League now, we have to be realistic.

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“Even if we win all four games, it’s not in our hands, it’s in our hands how we play, how high our performance is. It’s important that this season ends on the best possible note.

“We have four games left, the next two games are at home at Old Trafford and of course we will try to get as many points and win as many games as possible. To do that, we have to play at the best possible level.

“Chelsea are a good team but we know it’s possible to win the game if we play well.”

To do that he needs to lift a team from a very low level and he admits morale is an issue

I look forward to working in this advisory role and of course helping Erik.

Ralph Rangnik

He said: “Obviously when the results aren’t going well and we’ve lost three of the last four games, the morale and energy in the dressing room isn’t as good as it would be.

“Nevertheless, we have to perform, that’s what we get paid for.

“It’s important for the players to know that a new manager is coming to show that we’re capable of beating a team like Chelsea, that’s our job, that’s what everyone has to do and that’s what we’ve worked for. “

Future interim boss Rangnick is definitely keen to take on an advisory role at the club as he believes the club has an exciting future ahead under the new boss Eric Ten Hag.

He said: “I look forward to working in this advisory role and of course helping Erik.

“I truly believe there are many things that can and will be better with a new manager and hopefully some new players and some fresh energy in this squad.

“It is evident that with some players’ contracts expiring there will be a number of new players and with the quality players already in place along with the new manager I am very confident that this will be the case next season will be much better.”

Rangnick still believes the club remains an attractive proposition for potential signings even without Champions League football Bruno Fernandes has signed a new contract an example for.

He said: “Of course it would be better if we played in the Champions League next season, but Bruno’s contract extension shows that this is an attractive club.

“With a new manager and a new approach, this is still an extremely interesting club and I look forward to helping Erik and everyone at the club change the whole approach next season so that Manchester United are a top club can be.”