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Rob DawsonReporter
Ralf Rangnick says it “makes no sense” for Manchester United fans to criticize Paul Pogba after the midfielder was booed at Old Trafford.
Rangnick decided to replace Pogba in the second half of 3-2 win over Norwich on Saturday was initially greeted with cheers from supporters before they turned to boos as he walked away. There were chants of “f — off Pogba”.
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The 29-year-old was given another hostile reception by the time the final whistle blew as he appeared to be pressing his ear against the direction of Stretford End.
“Honestly, I haven’t heard that, we’re talking about it with my staff in the dressing room,” Rangnick said when asked about the fan’s reaction to Pogba.
“I think the fans here are amazing, I really do. The support in the stadium today was amazing, couldn’t be better.
“I can understand if the fans are frustrated and disappointed. This is why I will always protect and defend my players.
“By the way, I think Paul in the first half with the ball did well.”
Thousands of United fans marched to protest against the club’s owners before the game, before players were targeted as Norwich took a 2-0 lead to level the score 2-2, with chants “You are not strong enough to wear a shirt”. down from the terrace.
Rangnick was also asked during his post-match press conference about the viral video on social media of Pogba, whose contract is out in the summer, holding his ear as he made his way down the tunnel full-time.
“I didn’t see it, I heard it,” he added. “It could have been his reaction to the fan chants. Like I said, I can understand the way the fans and supporters are, but it wouldn’t make sense to deal with the fans. individual players.”
Regarding fan protests ahead of the game, a United spokesperson released a statement that read: “We are working hard to facilitate new success on the pitch, while strengthening our bond with our fans.
“We respect the fans’ right to voice their opinions peacefully and we will continue to listen to them, with the aim of working together to bring the club back to where it all belongs. what we want: to compete for titles.”
For the match itself, United were Cristiano Ronaldo to thank them for their tight win over bottom team Norwich after the 37-year-old scored his 50th career hat-trick.
The result means Rangnick’s team are three points closer to the top four after defeats by both Tottenham and Arsenal but the caretaker manager is not optimistic about their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League with trips to the Liverpool and Arsenal will come next week.
“Everybody watched the game today, we all know which team we’re going to play on Tuesday,” Rangnick said.
“They might have a chance to win four titles. If we play like today, it will be very difficult to get a point in this game; this is something we have to be realistic about.
“We need to raise our own level and standards. We have to be realistic, we have to play a lot better if Liverpool hold the ball more than we did today.”
