Rangnick changes won’t happen overnight – Matic

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic feels for caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick and the job he’s taken on.

With the pressure on the German to deliver a top-four finish and progress in the Champions League, Matic believes the presence of managers like Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte means Rangnick’s task could not be harder.

Matic said: “I think this is the toughest league so far. When I came over in 2009, it was only Chelsea and Man United who were competing. Now there are a lot of teams who have a chance to win. The smaller ones have improved a lot and buy top-class players.

“The Premier League is just very hard…much more than 15 years ago, and of course, every manager who comes to a new club needs a period to adapt.”

Rangnick has not ruled out a longer stint at the helm if he can resurrect United’s campaign.

He has signed a contract that guarantees him a further two years in an advisory capacity.

Matic said: “Of course, it will take some time, but we have enough talent in the squad to understand quickly and play how he wants us to.

“And that means a bit of everything, it isn’t just about pressing. You have to know what to do at this moment or that, and when and where to press.

“You must be physically ready, play well tactically when your chance comes, and we are already adapting to him.

“We understand his ideas and how he wants to play, what he wants from us in every position. Gradually we will be where he wants us to be.

“We are all positive and we’re already adapting to him. It’s only the beginning but we are all positive about things, so we will see in the future.”