The low-thrills Rangnick era can be neatly summed up by its biggest beneficiary: McTominay. He has played more minutes under the manager than any other player, including goalkeepers and been one of United’s best players post-Solskjaer.
The team would have preferred a fully renewed Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho or even Harry Maguire, all of whom continue to operate at a level below their best. Optimistic talk of an Anthony Martial revival was just that, he is out on loan at Sevilla.
Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to kissing his shinpads for luck before coming on as a sub at Turf Moor (they have pictures of Cristiano Ronaldo on them, of course they do). It was all in vain, he made little impact. Those late game rescue acts he made a habit of in the Champions League group stage are a distant memory. No goals now since December 30.
Encouraging signs on Tuesday night though from Paul Pogba. A goal but also a busy and determined performance in the middle. Also a sensible haircut and a low-key celebration, which still will not be enough to win over his critics who find a young man choosing to express himself offensive for some reason.
Overall mood: Subdued at the reality of the club’s malaise
Fans want to see progress, momentum and wins from their team. If those are not available they will tolerate excitement. Defeats, heartbreaks and prolonged spells without a trophy will all be tolerated. Seeing the same problems play out repeatedly will bring about apathy quickly, especially if the style of football is failing to provide much fun.
United’s travelling support are among the country’s best for stubborn singing when things are not going well. They were notably quiet after the Burnley equaliser on Tuesday night, perhaps stung again by seeing their team failing to take chances and seize control of an eminently winnable match.
This flawed team finished second last year, albeit in weirdly poor seasons for Liverpool and Chelsea. Even that seems like a distant dream now. A title feels further away than ever.
