Manchester United record proves Ralf Rangnick isn't to blame

It would be no surprise if the mood were to be a little subdued when Manchester United host Southampton in the early Premier League kick-off later today.

The Reds head into the match rather despondent after being dumped out of the FA Cup by Middlesbrough last week and held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley earlier this one. More dropped points this weekend would hardly be headline news.

United's mood is juxtaposed with one of optimism from Southampton, after the Saints fought from behind to secure a memorable 3-2 away win at Tottenham earlier in the week. They will be eager for revenge, having lost 9-0 at Old Trafford on their last visit a year ago.

There is a sense that even a similar convincing win today would do little to drastically alter the mood of many supporters at Old Trafford, with eyes already on the summer window and who the next permanent manager might be.

However, even that is ignoring the decent job Ralf Rangnick has done so far, given the unenviable situation he found himself in when he took charge.

Since his first match on 3 December United actually sit third in the Premier League form table, only behind Man City and Liverpool in terms of points earned.

The results are skewed by the fact that some teams are playing catch-up on fixtures and United have had a favourable run of games, but it is still startling that since the German arrived, United have taken four more points than Chelsea, despite playing one fewer match.

In fact, United have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League games (W6 D4) since the departure of Solskjaer and they have conceded just 10 goals in these 11 games (0.9 per game), having shipped 21 times in 12 league games under the Norwegian this term (1.8 per game).

After two dismal matches