Rangnick explains why Man Utd had such a bizarre January transfer window

Stefan Bienkowski

• 18 Feb 2022 08:21 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has defended the club’s odd January transfer window by claiming that it was necessary for squad harmony.

Although the Old Trafford side did not make any signings over the course of Janaury, they did let no less than four first team players leave the club on loan, with many of them expected to complete permanent moves at the end of the season.

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Donny van de Beek left for Everton, Anthony Martial was sent on loan to Sevilla, while Axel Tuanzebe and Amad Diallo also moved to Napoli and Rangers on loan.

Such moves would have been fine had Man Utd brought in another forward to compensate for the departures, but Man Utd decided against it. Which has left fans frustrated, due to the club’s lack of goals in recent games.

However, when asked about the reported schism in the squad between Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo, Rangnick quickly pointed out that the team was in a much better place than it had been prior to the January window.

’There were unhappy players’

“I'm not frustrated because it's not the truth. Harry is the captain, it's not an issue and hasn't been an issue,” said Rangnick in response to suggestions that Maguire may be dropped as Man Utd captain.

“My full focus is preparing the team in training for the next game. I have heard what is written. I can only tell you from my personal experience.

“There were players unhappy until the close of the window because the squad was too big and players weren't getting game time.

“The atmosphere in the dressing room is better than it was a few weeks ago for that reason. It's about performing well, togetherness on the pitch and winning games. They are the things we can influence.”