Manchester United players can show Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag they can change vs Everton

If Manchester United's players were stung by Ralf Rangnick's criticism of them last weekend then they couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to try and set the record straight.

For the umpteenth time since taking charge four months ago, Rangnick questioned the physicality of his United squad after their 1-1 draw with Leicester City.

It was a complaint first publicly aired just after Christmas when United were second best at St James' Park and were fortunate to share the spoils with Newcastle United. It's never been far from the surface since then and certainly explains how a squad that looks so talented has managed to perform so feebly this season.

READ MORE: United working on Kalvin Phillips transfer

Rangnick has always trod the fine line between explaining that United lack physical robustness while being careful not to question the mentality of his players. His opposite number this weekend, Frank Lampard, ploughed straight through that line a few weeks ago when he questioned whether his Everton players have the "b******* to play?".

They've hardly responded in the affirmative since then, losing at West Ham and Burnley, although on both occasions Lampard has praised the effort and desire of his team.

Rangnick has never questioned those attributes in his squad, but speaking after that draw with Leicester last weekend he made the deficiencies they do have clear.

"We come back to DNA, speed, physicality, tempo, what do we need? This team does not lack technical players, it can do with more physicality," he said.

"It has to be a bit in the DNA of a player, to be honest. It is difficult to change, shall I say a technically great player into a physical, aggressive player, and we have a lot of people who are technical