Ralph Rangnik insists it is not right to target individuals after Paul Pogba was booed off the field by some Manchester United supporters during Saturday’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Norwich.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick at Old Trafford boosted United’s hopes of reaching the top four after defeats to rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, but the result overshadowed another astounding performance and home fans were not afraid to show their displeasure.
Pogba, whose contract with United expires at the end of the season, returned to the starting lineup, but struggled to influence the lower side of the Premier League and was replaced by Juan Mata in the 74th minute with a score of 2-2.
Image: Pogba was booed by Manchester United supporters when he was substituted in the 74th minute
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Manchester United’s victory against Norwich in the Premier League
The United midfielder was then taunted as he left the field, before pressing his ears to a particularly critical angle as he descended the tunnel full-time.
Although Rangnik admits he has not heard the booing of some disgruntled supporters, he insists he disagrees.
“I didn’t hear it myself, to be honest,” Rangnik said. “But we talked about it with my staff in my locker room office.
“I think the fans here are amazing, I really do. The support at the stadium today was great again, it couldn’t be better.
“I can tell if the fans are disappointed and disappointed – and so are we. As far as I know, things have remained peaceful all along.
“I don’t think it makes sense to take on and target individuals or players, because it’s a collective responsibility.
“Even if you look at the past, it doesn’t make sense to me, so I will always defend and defend my players.”
Image: Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick boosts Manchester United’s hopes of reaching the top four
Pogba’s teammate Ronaldo’s individual brilliance has put United just three points behind fourth-placed Spurs as the season enters its final few weeks, but Rangnik’s side still appear vulnerable in defense.
Norwich scored just eight Premier League goals this campaign before their trip to Manchester. With 15 shots in the game, Dean Smith’s team will undoubtedly feel difficult if they do not leave Old Trafford with at least one point.
Rangnik said: “We did not defend ourselves well. We had to defend both goals much better and David de Gea kept us in the game with a brilliant save.
“Overall, it was very important to win the match, but the way we played in defense after leading 2-0 was not enough.
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Ralph Rangnik claims that Cristiano Ronaldo has once again shown that he is crucial for Manchester United, after the hat trick sealed all three points against Norwich
“It’s a matter of intensity and physicality. Before the first goal we kept the ball at our feet on the sideline, but if you are not physical enough in those moments to defend the ball, you can even lose the ball in these areas and within seconds they had a free header in our own box.
“There is no point in watching and just being interested in other results, we have to take care of our own results. We got the result today, but with the overall performance we should definitely raise this level against Liverpool on Tuesday and the same as a guest at Arsenal and at home against Chelsea. “
As for Ronaldo, he has already scored 60 hat-tricks in his professional career and has 21 goals for United this season in all competitions.
“As against Tottenham, he was very decisive today,” added Rangnik. “The second and third were not easy goals, the way he took those two goals was just extraordinary.”
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Norwich boss Dean Smith said his team showed its fighting spirit, but was guilty of mistakes in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
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