Manchester United and Ralf Rangnick running out of time to save their season as they drop out of top four

Manchester United are running the risk of losing out on next season’s Champions League if they fail to discover their best form with the remaining games this season. The pressure is on Ralf Rangnick, and while the players at his disposal are theoretically enough for him to reach the top four, and perhaps even challenge Chelsea for third spot if they get their act together, it increasingly appears that the German has too much to do, and not enough time to do it, if United are to end the season in fourth or better. Ad/> Paul Pogba’s return is, at least, the obvious positive of the game against Burnley last night.

His run into the box is just one part of the game he should be playing, and with his long-range scoring ability he should also pose more of a threat in the box. He might be suited to playing from deep given he has an exceptional range of passing when he plays for the French national team, but with the hard running demanded by Rangnick he should also be in the opposition penalty area enough to add more goals to his game. Premier LeagueZouma has cats taken away by RSPCA, loses Adidas deal, and fined 'maximum amount possible'4 HOURS AGO A happy Pogba is also an excellent player.

He can link defence and attack more constructively than any other player in the squad, and can set up counter-attacks with efficiency and with an uncommonly incisive perspective. When he’s not happy, of course, he is largely dreadful, but for now he and his manager seem content to make the most of the next four or five months before moving on. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, that did not seem possible.