Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has said that the prime reason why the Red Devils have fallen behind Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for a top four place is their lack of goals. The four giants of the Premier League are currently embroiled in a severe battle to claim a Champions League place, with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool having steamed away at the top of the table.
Thomas Tuchel ’s Chelsea look well placed to secure third place between now and the end of the campaign, with the Gunners currently occupying the final Champions League place. North London rivals sit a place behind having accumulated three points fewer than Arsenal, whilst Manchester United are at the back of the pack.
Rangnick’s men have certainly stuttered over recent weeks though with just five league wins since the turn of the year - a run that includes four draws. The German coach has revealed that the side’s lack of firepower is a reason behind their inconsistent form.
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Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of this weekend’s clash with Leicester City, he said: “After Christmas we focused to make sure the team was creating enough chances but since then we have had games like the FA Cup game against Middlesbrough, the home game with Watford and a few other games where we didn't score enough goals from the opportunities we created.
"That's why we have dropped too many points, eight draws in total in the league, and too many moments where we were 1-0 or even 2-0 up - at Aston Villa - and then ended up drawing."
Rangnick’s claim is certainly one that supporters of Arsenal and Tottenham will reflect on with intrigue. The north London pair have actually found the net with less regularity than the Red Devils - Mikel Arteta ’s side scoring 44 and Spurs finding the net on 47 occasions compared to Manchester United’s 48.
However, the Red Devils have had a huge boost to their tally provided by the goalscoring exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar has netted 18 goals in all competitions this season, with next-highest tally being compatriot Bruno Fernandes’ total of nine goals.
