LONDON: Ralf Rangnick’s early work at Manchester United has been complicated by pandemic disruption.

Rangnick had said before Christmas that he was excited at the prospect of his first experience of the busy English holiday football programme. Monday’s 1-1 draw against struggling Newcastle, however, did not match the expectations of players or officials or fans.

This had been United’s first match in 16 days since the 1-0 win at Norwich on December 11. Initially they were lethargic and conceded a goal to Allan Saint-Maximin after only seven minutes. United had to wait until the 71st minute for substitute Edison Cavani’s equaliser. The reflexes of goalkeeper David de Gea then preserved the point.

Captain Harry Maguire blamed the postponement of two matches and the health-enforced week-long closure of United’s training ground. He said: “A 16-day break in the middle of the season is no help when also half the lads playing are recovering from the virus. We’ve had people with symptoms and people without symptoms. It’s been a tough time.”

However Maguire also conceded: “You can’t make excuses for sloppy passes and the opportunities that we wasted, especially in the first half.”

They are still struggling to adjust to the new 4-2-2-2 tactical shape. Bruno Fernandes has not shown the form of last season so United are not providing Ronaldo with the service to extend his tally of 13 goals in Premier and Champions Leagues. Ronaldo’s frustration was evident in his ill-tempered performance.

United’s awareness of a busy spring at home and abroad has prompted the refusal to a six-month loan of Antony Martial to Sevilla. Also, the Spanish club had offered to pay only half of Martial’s £250,000-per-week wages. Martial has scored only one goal and is yet to play under the new manager.

Rangnick said: “He explained to me he’s been here for seven years and feels it’s time for a change. In a way this is understandable but we have Covid times, we have three competitions in which we have high ambitions and want to be as successful as we can be.”

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