EPL: Ralf Rangnick Reveals Why Juan Mata Hasn’t Played For Man Utd

• Ralf Rangnick has revealed why Juan Mata hasn’t played for Manchester United.

• The Spaniard -whose contract expires at end of the season – has made four fleeting appearances under Rangnick this season.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Manchester United interim boss, Ralf Rangnick, says competition is the reason for Juan Mata’s lack of playing time this season.

The Spaniard -whose contract expires at end of the season – has made four fleeting appearances under Rangnick this season.
And Rangnick insists Mata remains an important member of his squad.

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“Well, he is also very popular in our group,” Rangnick said ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
“I think everybody likes Juan a lot, and he can still play on this level, but it’s a question of competition.
“We have quite a few players for those midfield places and I will also have to decide and choose between five or six players for the places for tomorrow’s game.”

Meanwhile, the interim boss have called on Manchester United’s fans to rattle Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford as the Red Devils look to seal a place in the Champions League quarter-finals

Three weeks ago, United had to run the gauntlet at the Wanda Metropolitano before coming away with a creditable 1-1 draw.
Away goals don’t offer an advantage these days and no one at United is getting carried away over the possibility of reaching the last eight.

Three days after Cristiano Ronaldo lit up the Theatre of Dreams in the 3-2 win over Tottenham, interim manager Ralf Rangnick is urging fans to create another highly charged atmosphere.

Sir Alex Ferguson always felt Old Trafford was at its best on big European nights, and that is just one of the many factors that those responsible for upgrading the stadium would do well to consider.

Rangnick said: ‘Like in the game against Spurs, we need our players and supporters to be on top form.
‘Antonio Conte said it was a very difficult atmosphere for them to play in, and that’s probably one of the biggest compliments you can get if the opposition manager says that after the game.

We had a team against Spurs that just wanted to win that game. It became obvious and the supporters played a vital role because they realised how much we wanted to win. Tomorrow will be similar.

‘Our supporters play a vital role and it’s always a very special atmosphere at Old Trafford, even more so in European games.
‘In the end, they can be our 12th and 13th player on the pitch and make the difference, making it a very special experience for everyone.

‘In the end, it’s up to us. We have to create those moments and then the rest will come from our fantastic supporters.’
United hope Bruno Fernandes will be fit to play following Covid, and Rangnick has no concerns over Ronaldo’s ability to go again so soon after his hat-trick heroics.

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