Ralf Rangnick apologises to Manchester United fans for an 'extremely poor' humiliating defeat

Rangnick spoke to Sky Sports after the 4-0 defeat stating that they can only apologise to the supporters after a terrible performance and a humiliating defeat. Brighton defeated United at the Amex Stadium, which ended the visitors' campaign with a career-low points tally in the Premier League era. Rangnick admitted that his side couldn't outdo the opponent's game plan. He advised the players to be as compact as possible and then release pressure on them, but it was not enough. 

"First, it's important that we apologise to our supporters who came from Manchester to Brighton," as stated by interim boss Rangnick. "We were just not good enough from start to finish. The performance was not only poor, but it was also extremely poor. It was a humiliating defeat and even more so for a team like Manchester United. It's not only that you lose 4-0, but it was also the way we played, and this is just unacceptable, very difficult to deal with and cope with." The second half brought Cavani in to play as a second striker, but Rangnick realised it was a risk to let him play in a 4-4-2 against them. 

United fans facing deep despair and disappointment

Manchester United's crowded at the away end at the Amex, but their anger was infectious after the club conceded the fourth goal, as the pack of supporters chanted: "You're not fit to wear the shirt." Bruno Fernandes agreed with the supporters and accepted the statement's truth when asked about the commotion. The 20-time English champions might not be able to qualify for the Champions League next season. Fans again took a hit at United's owners, as they screamed "love United, hate Glazers" and "we want Glazers out" early into the game.

Their frustration escalated after players like Albion quartet Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Pascal Gross, and Leandro Trossard scored their respective goals. Sixth-placed United can now only earn a maximum of 61 points this term, three fewer than their 2013-14 tally. Back then, David Moyes was the manager, and they closed the league under the caretaker management of Ryan Giggs. Rangnick, whose team showed up at Sussex after a 3-0 win over Brentford in his final match at Old Trafford, dismissed speculations about a lack of desire in his team. 

"I have to defend the players; I don't think they are (uncaring). I saw them in training. I saw them against Brentford. We had a good week of training with a good atmosphere, with a good focus on the training sessions." The manager continued, "But I remember watching the game against Watford away, 4-1 (under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer), who are now relegated, which looked very similar to what happened today. For me, the problem is how to defend as a team. If you do not defend properly, if you give them all the space and time in the world, this is the result."