Man United Boss Ralf Rangnick Explains Phil Jones Decision After Switching To 5-3-2 Vs Liverpool

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has explained his decision to start Phil Jones against Liverpool after switching to a 5-3-2 formation at Anfield.

There was a surprise name on the Manchester United teamsheet ahead of Tuesday's clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

United interim manager Ralf Rangnick opted to pick Phil Jones in a back three as he lined his side up in a 5-3-2 formation.

Rangnick has generally played 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 this season, but he opted for an extra center-back against the Premier League's most prolific scorers.

With Raphael Varane out injured, Rangnick chose to deploy Jones and Victor Lindelof alongside captain Harry Maguire.

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Jones had only played twice previously this season and United lost both of those games.

He played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 defeat by Wolves at Old Trafford in January, before coming off the bench in February's FA Cup game against Middlesbrough, which United lost in a penalty shootout.

But Rangnick told MUTV: "He played well when he played against Wolves.

"Raphael Varane is still injured so I had to decide between him and Eric Bailly, and I decided for him, as an experienced player, as somebody who is also talking to other players, and this is why I decided for him."

Bailly was named on the bench at Anfield, alongside with defensive midfielder Scott McTominay who had missed United's last two games.

On McTominay, Rangnick added: "He told me he would be ready for 10 and 15 mins at the end if necessary."

Phil Jones pictured during Manchester United's 1-0 home loss against Wolves in January 2022 :: IMAGO/PA Images/Martin Rickett

Jones continued his losing run as United were thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool.

He was subbed off at half-time when Rangnick abandoned his new formation to bring on winger Jadon Sancho.

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