Ralf Rangnick says the amount of goals Manchester United are conceding proves that his players are "trying" and "listening" amid an ongoing inquest at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils started 2022 in dismal fashion as they lost 1-0 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, prompting pundits and supporters alike to seriously question United's credentials.

And heading into their FA Cup clash with Steven Gerrard 's Aston Villa on Monday, Mirror Football revealed that 11 first-team players want to leave the club.

But interim manager Rangnick believes the players he currently has at his disposal remain committed, having improved in the goals against column since the final days of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"They are at least trying. I am sure they are listening," the 63-year-old said.

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Rangnick insists his Man Utd players are "trying" and "listening" (
Image:
Imago/PA Images)

"I think we showed in the last games that they're trying to follow the advice we give. We conceded less goals than before.

"But it is about balance between offence and defence."

Rangnick, known for possessing an esteemed footballing brain, continued: "We showed that in the last games against [Crystal] Palace, Burnley, and parts against Norwich [City] and Newcastle [United], they are trying to follow the advice I give them.

"We concede fewer goals than before, an average of 1.7 per game that we have conceded so far - 0.6 in those games. Yes, still, it's about balance.

"We need to find the best possible balance between offence and defence, and this is something we have to get better at.

"All the players were disappointed and frustrated, like myself. In the first-half we didn't get hold of the build up of Wolves, second-half was better, we didn't score, we conceded 10 minutes from time.

"It's a question of balance, offence and defence. Offensively, we have quality, but we have to show the best possible balance."

There have been widespread reports of discontent at Old Trafford, with Cristiano Ronaldo said to be unwilling to support the potential appointment of Rangnick on a permenant basis, and the pressure is on the acclaimed German coach to turn things around quickly.

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"I can only tell you about the squad," he went on.

"Obviously, I don't know about the atmosphere inside the club, the players, locker room, coaching staff, everybody was very disappointed after the game, the performance.

"Now we have four days of training, yesterday, today, tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow before the Aston Villa game, and our job is to show a different performance against Aston Villa."

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