Rangnick picks out Man Utd man, alongside Elanga who kickstarted Atletico recovery

Ralf Rangnick believes Nemanja Matic was just as important as goalscorer Anthony Elanga in helping Manchester United recover against Atletico Madrid in midweek.

With an intense week ahead, Elanga scored a second-half equaliser to earn United a draw in their Champions League first leg clash in Madrid. But they will return to domestic matters this weekend against Watford.

Arsenal’s victory over Wolves on Thursday means the Red Devils are only one point ahead of their rivals in fourth place having played two games more.

And Rangnick is aware his side cannot afford to slip up in the race to secure Champions League football, with trips to top two Manchester City and Liverpool looming in March.

“We have to keep the momentum, win tomorrow against Watford and then be ready for the upcoming games afterwards against the top teams,” said Rangnick. “We are fully aware that we have to win the game tomorrow.”

The Watford match comes three days after United’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

The return leg is at Old Trafford next month, after league games against Manchester City and Tottenham and before facing Liverpool.

Asked if it could be the defining month of their season, Rangnick said: “It could, but for us it only makes sense to take it one game after the other.

“Now the job is to fully recover from the game the day before yesterday and play on the highest possible level at home and hopefully win the game. Then we have a normal week to prepare for the derby at Manchester City.”

Teenage winger Elanga is fast emerging as the brightest spot in United’s season, with the Swede making it goals in back-to-back games by coming off the bench to earn United a draw in Madrid.

Rangnick