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Lawrenson: "Rangnick will push the button at Manchester United"

Speaking on Football Saturday, Lawrenson asserts that Rangnick is the right man to whip United into shape.



Liverpool and Ireland legend Mark Lawrenson thinks the appointment of Ralf Rangnick is precisely what is required to change the fortunes of Manchester United. 

United are edging closer and closer to confirming Rangnick as interim manager for the rest of the season.

Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel both praised Rangnick, who served as a mentor to the German managers, during their respective press conferences on Friday.

Lawrenson echoed their praise, saying Rangnick will imbue United with a discernible playing philosophy.

Lawrenson joined John Duggan, Johnny Ward, and football writer Dan McDonnell on Football Saturday. He began by asserting that Rangnick is the right man to whip United into shape.

"I would argue he probably will be," Lawrenson said. "He will get them organised and obviously he will start to get them to press."

"Klopp's press conference yesterday was very interesting, saying 'we'd all better watch out', in terms of teams at the top of the Premier League, because he will push the button at United."

Lawrenson added that the situation at Old Trafford is so dire that the only way is up for this team.

"Look, they can only get better. They have got some outstanding players, but, as we've discussed on this programme plenty of times, they have no identity in terms of how they play."

"You look at Chelsea, Liverpool, and City - you can close your eyes and you know where their players will be. You know exactly how they play.

"[With] Manchester United, you just don't know from one game to the next - I suggest that will change very, very quickly under the new man."

Lawrenson: "I can't see him throwing Ronaldo out"

Lawrenson also dismissed the notion that Rangnick's emphasis on pressing would mean that Ronaldo could struggle to retain his spot in the United starting XI.

"You might offset Ronaldo because he scores for fun," Lawrenson suggested.

"He might look at it a little bit differently and think: 'You know what? We press early, and we get the ball up to Ronaldo in better position, and he might score even more goals.'"

"I can't see him throwing him out and saying 'you're not going to start'. He's been excellent since he came here , and his scoring record has been brilliant, so keep him going."

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