Ralf Rangnick believes Manchester United do not deserve to play European football next season if they continue to perform in the manner in which they did against Everton on Saturday.
The German has been unable to inspire the rebirth that the Manchester United board hoped for when he was appointed interim manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal in late November.
United have won only eight of their seventeen Premier League games under Rangnick, and their setback on Saturday moves them six points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who now hold the fourth and final Champions League position.
Rangnick, who is expected to remain on as an advisor until a full-time replacement is selected, believes United lack the attributes necessary to compete in Europe based on their performance against Everton.
“If we continue to play as we did here, we simply do not deserve it,” Rangnick stated.
“Players should be willing to participate in international football, preferably in the Champions League.
“To qualify for Europe, you must be able to score in a game like this inside 95 minutes.”
Rangnick felt humiliated by his team’s failure to score against an Everton side that had lost 3-2 in midweek to fellow strugglers Burnley.
“With all due respect to Everton — they have a strong squad — but you cannot expect to win against a club that allowed three goals to Burnley,” the 63-year-old German stated.