Ralf Rangnick: 'We are only focusing on the next match'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 18 February 2022

Manchester United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick says that his side cannot afford to look too far ahead at a key stage of the season.

Manchester United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has said that his side cannot afford to look too far ahead and are instead only focusing on their next match.

The Red Devils will travel to Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon looking to make it back-to-back victories in England's top flight, which would ensure that they keep hold of fourth position.

The 20-time English champions will then visit Atletico Madrid next week for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League contest.

However, Rangnick has insisted that his team are not currently thinking about their clash with Diego Simeone's side, as they cannot afford to take their eye off the ball in the fight for a top-four finish in the league.

"We play one after the other. Of course, we are fully aware that the game at Leeds is important for us in order to stay where we are right now in the table. We have to win that game and then, three days later, we have an important one at Atletico Madrid," Rangnick told reporters.

"We are in a competition where we would also like to proceed into the next round. Then again, three days later, we have another important one at home against Watford. We are taking one by the other, and therefore I'm grateful that we have more players back available again."

Man United were two-goal winners over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Tuesday evening, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes on the scoresheet at Old Trafford.