"More than optimistic" was how Ralf Rangnick began an answer to a question on his first day as Manchester United manager, having been asked about the prospect of his new team taking him up against managerial heavyweights such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.
Rangnick had impressed throughout his media dealings on that first day in office and while he struck an upbeat tone it was also one dosed in realism. This was a team struggling for form and confidence.
“I am more than optimistic, but I also have to be realistic," the 63-year-old said. “Five weeks ago, our team lost 5-0 against Liverpool — and it could have been a lot more if we are honest. Against City it was 2-0 — but it could also have been more.
