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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Chris Doyle

Ralf Rangnick 'alarmed' by worrying Man Utd trend that could make top-four impossible

Ralf Rangnick is reportedly alarmed about Manchester United's frail mentality when surrendering leads this season - a worrying trend that could cost them a top-four spot.

The Red Devils have it all to do in the top four race after their 4-1 derby defeat by Manchester City as Arsenal leapfrogged them in the Premier League table.

Arsenal are sitting one point ahead of their rivals with three games in hand.

United have only tasted defeat on two occasions in 18 games under Rangnick, but only eight of those have resulted in wins.

Man United have surrendered the lead in fives games in which they have gone on to draw.

Ralf Rangnick is concerned about Manchester United's mentality (Getty Images)

On only two occasions, against Newcastle and Atletico Madrid, have the Red Devils been able to secure a positive result after conceding the first goal.

Rangnick and his coaches are concerned by how dominant performances have quickly turned into games where they are trying to hold onto a point, according to ESPN.

The report states that the interim boss reckons it's a mentality issue that dates back to when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge.

It's a worrying pattern that could cost the Red Devils Champions League football next season.

Roy Keane went on record to say that United were favourites to seal a fourth-place finish after their 4-2 win over Leeds, but the former player has since changed his tune.

"I think United will be fine for fourth, I really do," Keane told Sky Sports after Man United's victory at Elland Road.

"There’s been lots of noises about players wanting to leave, contract situations with Pogba and Jesse Lingard, and people like that.

"Focus on the next few months, big few months for Man United, try and get fourth.

"They have a big European game coming up, focus on that, and then regroup again in the summer regarding obviously a manager, they’ll be looking at recruitment, but keep their heads and keep focused and they should be okay."

Rangnick suffered just his second defeat in 18 matches in charge of Man Utd on Sunday (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Keane now reckons Arsenal have the edge over their rivals, however, after a three-game winning run.

He told Sky Sports: "It’s been an amazing turnaround considering where they were at the start of the season, and now they’re probably favourites to finish in the top four.

"We’ve always questioned whether there’s a bit of softness to them but they’re in a good moment and they’ve always had that quality.

"Against Wolves they found a way to win the football match, they kept going and grabbed a late goal, that’s the key to success, you can have your off days but you find a way to win and it was a huge three points for them."

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