Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has defended Manchester United counterpart Ralf Rangnick ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie.
Like United boss Ralf Rangnick, Gerrard took over at Villa when the season was well underway. Gerrard has won half of his eight Premier League fixtures so far. Rangnick, by contrast, has lost one of five – but the manner of the defeat against Bruno Lage's Wolves caused consternation.
Gerrard said: “It's challenging to take over mid-season. Games are coming thick and fast. United also have European commitments.
“Any manager would prefer to come in during the summer and have a full pre-season to try out things in friendlies, to tweak and change, and add players. In mid-season you have to analyse everything that has happened.
“You have to find the right system and solution. You've got to get your identity across in such a short space of time. You also have to get people to buy-in and respond to you. There's all kinds of different challenges to smack you in the face.
“I'm a lot less experienced than the United manager but you do normally get a 'new manager bounce'. That happens a lot.
“But after a certain amount of time, it's on the manager's shoulders to make sure the team are putting in the performances."
But Rangnick is not the only one looking for a reaction. Of last week's 2-1 defeat to Brentford, Gerrard added: “For the first time we came away with some regret because we'd had four previous good wins and even the defeats to the top three gave enough for us to be positive about.
“But if I could point to one game where I've learnt more than others it's Brentford. There were a couple of ingredients missing, in terms of our game management and leadership on the pitch. They are situations for me to address."
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