Ralf Rangnick has been defiant in his stance that Manchester United are improving under his leadership, despite the recent shock FA Cup exit to Middlesbrough.
Although United are still in the Champions League, the penalty shootout defeat to Boro all but ended any realistic hope of them lifting their first piece of silverware since 2017.
Despite this big disappointment, Rangnick believes United are continuing to improve and are now in a much better place compared to when he first arrived.
"I'm absolutely convinced we're playing on a higher level than we used to play a couple of weeks ago, both in possession and if the other team is in possession, the team has improved." said Rangnick.
The Reds have climbed from seventh to fourth during Rangnick’s two months in charge at the club, and specifically in the league have suffered just one defeat from his eight matches in charge.
That’s a good run when considering that United won only two of their nine league matches prior to his arrival.
However, the team’s improvements are perhaps better captured when drilling down into the underlying numbers, which is most likely what Rangnick is referencing.
In terms of attacking output, there’s not been a huge increase in performance from United. In fact, goals per game have slightly decreased.
Prior to Rangnick’s arrival, United were averaging 1.71 goals and an xG of 1.51 per game. Since his arrival, they are now averaging 1.50 goals and an xG of 1.56 per game.
Crucially though, this slight drop in attacking output has most likely come as a consequence of solidifying things at the back.
Rangnick made it clear that improving United defensively was going to be a priority for him, and notably after averaging 1.71 goals against before his arrival, United have since averaged a much better 0.75 goals conceded per game.
Their xG-against has also dropped from 1.76 per game to 1.08, highlighting how the team are now allowing fewer quality chances on their goal.
Another standout improvement has come in the way United press their opponents without the ball. It was something many fans hoped would improve under the German coach, and the numbers suggest that United have.
In terms of PPDA, a metric used to measure how aggressively a team press high up the pitch, United’s average in terms of passes they allow before attempting a defensive action has dropped from 13.41 before Rangnick’s arrival, to 10.39 since.
These are good signs and United fans will hope it all continues to translate into positive results as they head to Turf Moor on Tuesday night to take on Burnley.
