Rangnick says Man United 'fortunate' to draw with Chelsea but tight-lipped on Austria job

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick refused to comment on reports linking him with the Austria national team following his side's 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea on Thursday.

On a night when United fans staged more protests against the Glazer family’s ownership, Rangnick admitted United were “fortunate” to scrape a draw against the Blues at Old Trafford that does little for their hopes of a top-four finish.

United remain sixth in the Premier League table, five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal having played two games more than the Gunners. Chelsea are third as the troubled London club look to secure Champions League football next season.

Marcos Alonso’s 60th-minute volley eventually gave Chelsea a deserved lead, only for Cristiano Ronaldo to spare United’s blushes by firing home within two minutes for his 17th league goal of the season.

“We were fortunate in the first half,” Rangnick said. “We needed some great saves from David [De Gea] again and some last-ditch tackles.

“I thought in the second half we were better. We had more moments when we could get hold of the ball, although we conceded the goal then after 60 minutes.

“I think we showed a good reaction to that goal, scored a brilliant goal ourselves with an amazing assist by Nemanja [Matic] and a great finish by Cristiano.

“I think in the last 20 minutes, it was an open game. They could have scored. We were fortunate when Reece James hit the post.

“But we also had our moments. With Cristiano, we could have scored another one or two goals, but I think overall we have to admit we were fortunate to get that point.

“But the reaction that we showed in the second half was good.”

Ronaldo has scored eight of United’s last nine goals in all competitions,