Ralf Rangnick Makes Champions League Transfer Admission
Man Utd are in a battle to get back into the Champions League for next season and Ralf Rangnick has admitted that could have an impact this summer.
Ralf Rangnick has admitted Manchester United might find it harder to attract players this summer if they do not secure a return to the Champions League.
United still have two routes available back into Europe premier competition, but their path back to the elite is by no means guaranteed after a bruising season. Rangnick's side drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie and welcome the La Liga champions to Old Trafford in mid-March.
Winning the competition would guarantee United an entry for next season's Champions League. United could also qualify by finishing fourth in the Premier League, a position they currently hold.
But their run-in is difficult — starting with today's trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City — and Arsenal and Tottenham both have games in hand. It will be a financial hit for United if they don't secure Champions League football next season and it could also have an effect on their ability to attract players in what is likely to be a vital summer under a new manager.
"Financially, everybody knows what that would mean, that you would have less money available for your budget. And of course it would be better for all the players, for all the staff members, if you played Champions League next season," said Rangnick.
"It would also make maybe negotiations with any new players easier but this is how it is. Right now it’s up to us, trying everything we possibly can to qualify for the Champions League."
The Manchester derby is by far Rangnick's toughest assignment as United manager so far and they have failed to capitalise on a serene run of fixtures to make a statement when it comes to the race for fourth place.
"We are all aware how important this game is in the table for us, the club, our supporters and for everybody," added Rangnick.
Kevin De Bruyne makes Champions League feelings clear after Man City's recent heartbreak
Kevin De Bruyne insists winning the Premier League will always mean more to him than the Champions League.
De Bruyne has won three titles in the last four seasons under Pep Guardiola and is aiming to finish top of the table again despite Liverpool ’s growing threat.
But Manchester City are yet to be crowned champions of Europe - and Guardiola is desperate to end that wait before he leaves the Etihad.
However, De Bruyne doesn’t agree that this Blues side must conquer the continent to be remembered as a great team.
De Bruyne said: “I always choose the Premier League, but I have never won the Champions League.
“If I have to choose, I would go for the Premier League.
“It shows the consistency of a player and what you have to do across a whole season.
“In the Champions League you need to be good, but then in certain times it is more of a lottery and a little bit of luck involved compared to the league as there are way more games.
“Whatever you will give me, I will take!”
City became the only team in top-flight history to win 100 points when they won the title in 2019, and retained the trophy the following season with a 98-point haul.
They were beaten by Chelsea in last season’s Champions League final, but De Bruyne refuses to accept the notion that he needs to end that Euro quest to join the game’s greatest players.
He believes failure is part of the process of becoming a better player.
City go into the Manchester derby with Liverpool ranking up the pressure.
And De Bruyne said: “What does legacy mean? Would my personal achievements be bigger if maybe for instance we won the Champions League last year?
“For me, as a player no, as I know what I did and what I had to do.
“There are legends of the game who have not won a Champions League.
“At the end of my career, I won’t be looking back at what I haven’t achieved as a player.
“I know you want to win a lot, but one more trophy doesn’t define what you did in your career.”
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