Manchester United hero says Ralf Rangnick appointment has 'made it hard' for players

Manchester United hero Teddy Sheringham says it is very difficult for players to perform at their best when they know that Ralf Rangnick will not be in charge of the club next season.

The former Red Devils striker was speaking on Monday night after United players were accused of throwing in the towel during the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

United legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville believed that the side gave up when City’s third goal went in, with still over 20 minutes left on the clock.

Sheringham felt that there were signs of this during the second half of the match, but it is understandable and the leadership of the club can be blamed.

The former England forward believes it is hard for players to fully commit to a manager’s cause if they know he is only there for the short term. It is not necessarily Rangnick’s fault, but just the role of ‘interim manager’ that he has been handed.

‘I’ve played in a very dominant Manchester United side, where it’s demanded that you’re 100 per cent committed and [show] desire for the cause,’ Sheringham told Sky Sports.

‘Everybody’s rowing in the same boat, together, led by a top manager.

‘I’ve also been where there’s fragments in a team and in a club.

‘When you’re playing in a team that’s so focussed and rowing the same way, it’s all great. When you’re playing for a manager that some people are thinking, “he won’t be here at the end of the season, I don’t really need to try my hardest. He’ll be gone, I’ll work for the next manager.”

‘There’s vibes like that you can see all over the pitch. There’s just problems at the club and I think that comes from leadership in the football club.

‘You look at Manchester City, they’re led by a top man that is devoted to Manchester City