Cristiano Ronaldo has free pass for Erik ten Hag's ruthless summer plan at Manchester United

Ralf Rangnick arrived at Manchester United with a reputation as the pioneer of gegenpressing. Jurgen Klopp had previously lauded the German's influence on his career and some thought United would be transformed into a pressing side during his tenure.

United regressed with Rangnick in charge instead and they continued to look hopelessly disorganised. The lack of cohesion on the pitch at Old Trafford was a frustratingly familiar theme of the season. It was naive to think any manager could transform the club's results overnight considering the state of the dressing room, but Rangnick's impact on the club was non-existent.

Rangnick talked an excellent game but words don't win football matches. While Rangnick constantly talked about the need for United to press the opponent, cohesive pressing remained elusive at United. It was embarrassing to watch at times.

OPINION: Mike Phelan is giving Erik ten Hag something he needs at Manchester United this summer.

Although some of United's players tried to press in matches, the whole exercise is made redundant without each player buying into the plan. With United 2-0 against Liverpool at Anfield last month, Jesse Lingard sprinted to press Joel Matip, Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, only to turn around to find he was alone. He was furious but he certainly shouldn't have been surprised.

The lack of desire and commitment from the club's players this season has been clear for months. That, combined with a 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line and the players being poorly coached for three years, meant pressing effectively was never going to be possible. That's an issue that Erik ten Hag has to address this summer. Ten Hag wants United to be a pressing side.

United must do all