Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has once again mentioned his displeasure at the Premier League substitutes rule ahead of their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid this evening.
Rangnick has previously called for the Premier League to reconsider their stance on substitutions — and gave an unsolicited opinion on the ruling once again, as well as being asked about the scrapping of the away goals rule.
For the restart of the 2019-20 season in June, clubs were allowed to make five substitutions rather than the usual three due to the tight schedule and potential absences caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Premier League reverted to the three-subs rule at the start of last term but in the other four major leagues — Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 — teams can still make five substitutions.
United are also allowed to make five substitutions in Champions League matches but Rangnick insists the rule needs to return to domestic competitions.
Speaking to the club's official website about his substitutions making the difference against Leeds United, Rangnick said: "In the Champions League, we can sub five players, which is good.
"I would wish also this to be the case in the Premier League. I think we’re the only league in Europe, as far as I know, with only three subs being allowed. Therefore, I’m very happy I can sub five players."
Rangnick had previously mentioned that the Premier League should revise their stance on substitutes — after also voicing his displeasure with the hectic winter schedule.
United will face Atleti in the first leg of their last 16 tie tonight (Wednesday), before the La Liga champions return to Old Trafford in three weeks.
Away goal rules have been scrapped in the Champions League this season, putting less of an emphasis of importance on scoring away from home, but United will hope to bring back a positive result back to Old Trafford for March 15.
On whether that rule changes United's approach, Rangnick added: “Well, not really but I mean it’s an important change.
"I’m not saying it’s a good change. It’s important to know that it is not that important to score, it’s about getting a good result that leaves us all the chances for our home game against Atletico.”
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