Gary Neville warns Manchester United they may have to DITCH Ralf Rangnick's preferred 4-2-2-2 system as the Sky pundit insists it is a 'massive ask on the full backs' and he doesn't 'know any team in Europe that plays it really well'
- Gary Neville has queried whether Manchester United can stick with their setup
- The Red Devils typically play in Ralf Rangnick's preferred 4-2-2-2 formation
- But iconic former defender Neville cast doubt on the feasibility of the system
- United eventually drew 1-1 against Newcastle at St James' Park on Monday night
Gary Neville has cast doubt on Manchester United's ability to continue playing manager Ralf Rangnick's preferred 4-2-2-2 system.
Rangnick, appointed on an interim basis in late November, won his first two Premier League games 1-0 against Crystal Palace and Norwich, but his side struggled to create chances in attack on Monday at Newcastle, looked vulnerable in defence before eventually scraping a 1-1 draw.
And iconic former defender Neville admitted the German may soon be forced to change the tactical set-up to get the most out of his players.
![Gary Neville has admitted Ralf Rangnick may have to ditch his preferred 4-2-2-2 formation](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/12/27/21/52272293-10348263-image-a-1_1640639619366.jpg)
Gary Neville has admitted Ralf Rangnick may have to ditch his preferred 4-2-2-2 formation
![The new Manchester United manager's system has seemingly been built to play to the strengths of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo (centre), 36, with another forward to support him](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/12/27/21/52272295-10348263-image-a-2_1640639636769.jpg)
The new Manchester United manager's system has seemingly been built to play to the strengths of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo (centre), 36, with another forward to support him
He said before the 1-1 draw: 'The problem with this system is twofold. One is that ultimately you don't have the balance at times.
'When you're defending, you actually become a 4-4-2. The issue you've got is you've got to have a partner for Ronaldo.
'It will be interesting to see him ditch the system he's played (in his first two games) - I don't know any team in Europe that plays this system really well. It's a massive ask on the full-backs.
'As a full-back you're expected to go up the field and be the width of the team but also to have little protection for large parts of the game. With a bit more quality, Norwich would have exploited them. It's a big ask on Dalot and Telles, can they do it defensively if they're exposed against decent teams? I don't quite see it.
![Iconic former defender Neville said he expects the German to change things sooner or later](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/12/27/23/52272291-10348263-Iconic_former_defender_Neville_said_he_expects_the_German_to_cha-m-1_1640646791385.jpg)
Iconic former defender Neville said he expects the German to change things sooner or later
'He may change, whether it's tonight (Monday) I'm not sure but eventually it'll come because I don't see another top team doing it. I'm not sure about the system personally.'
United's squad appear more naturally suited to the 4-2-3-1 formation played under Rangnick's predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the two forwards up front seemingly designed to get the most out of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 36.
But the Portuguese's 13 goals in 18 matches prior to kick-off in all competitions may see Rangnick satisfied to play the likes of Marcus Rashford or Mason Greenwood up front to provide the support Ronaldo needs, even if it puts more pressure on his full-backs.
Edinson Cavani came off the bench to spare United's blushes on Monday night and Neville contended post-match that the system looks to be ill-suited to this group.
![Edinson Cavani (left) salvaged a point for Manchester United away to Newcastle on Monday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/12/27/23/52275631-10348263-image-a-2_1640646805201.jpg)
Edinson Cavani (left) salvaged a point for Manchester United away to Newcastle on Monday
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