‘REDS NEED TO PUT IN MORE WORK’

RALF RANGNICK has laid down the law again to his Manchester United players – telling them to up their work-rate and intensity if they want to be a top team.

The German coach, in charge of United until the end of the season, has struggled to make an impact since replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.

Rangnick (above) has a reputation for producing high-pressing and disciplined teams, but has so far failed to bring that to Old Trafford.

United have won just three of their six games under Rangnick, losing 1-0 at home to Wolves in the Premier League last week.

And he has warned that the Reds will never be a top team like Manchester City and Liverpool, unless they embrace his methods and are prepared to work hard.

“This is the only way we can compete in this league and at that level,” said Rangnick. “Whenever you watch games, even if it’s not the top teams, they play with intensity, they play with physicality, they play with energy and they sprint.

“This is what we have to do. We have to develop into this kind of team and it’s about implementing this into the team in a sustainable way.

“This is our job. We have to do it together with the players. And we have, obviously, to develop the players and identify for each game the players who are willing and able to do that and to deliver exactly what we spoke about.”

Divisions within the United dressing-room emerged after the Wolves defeat, with Rangnick conceding several of his players are unhappy at not playing enough.

United have not won a trophy since the Europa League in 2017, and Rangnick added: “The pressure is on at a club like Manchester United.

“It’s about showing up when we play in front of 75,000 supporters, and I’m pretty sure the players are aware of that.”