Through a combination of stodgy performances and match suspensions, some of the early enthusiasm that greeted Ralf Rangnick's appointment at Manchester United has ebbed away.
On Monday, the team produced a below-par display against Newcastle United, with Edinson Cavani's goal eventually enough to earn a 1-1 draw.
Fans will be hopeful that after an enforced break over the festive period and 90 minutes back in the legs of a number of players that United can build up some momentum going into the new year.
Games against Burnley and then Wolverhampton Wanderers provide an opportunity to do just that, although levels will need to be lifted if the Red Devils are to take six points from those two outings.
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Resistance to Rangnick
Some Manchester United players are said to already be concerned by the methods of Rangnick.
The 63-year-old arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation for sending his teams out to play with intensity and purpose. As of yet, the Red Devils have not been able to showcase those attributes, albeit they've taken seven points from a possible nine under Rangnick in the Premier League.
However, it's been reported that there is discontent in the dressing room.
It's said morale is "very low" among the players and that cliques are being formed, which isn't helping build collective spirit.
The squad is also said to be struggling with the later training sessions, meaning they don't leave the Carrington training complex until after 5pm.
Read the story in full HERE.
Neville calls for player meeting
Former United player Gary Neville thinks the current squad need to hold a meeting to resolve any potential static in the squad.
After reports emerged of some potential disharmony in the group on Wednesday, the ex-right-back and current Sky Sports pundit took to Twitter to offer his opinion on the situation.
"On United I’m seeing reports of dressing room dissatisfaction this morning," he tweeted.
"Something wasn’t right v Norwich and certainly not v Newcastle . Still 4 pts from those games is not a disaster considering the performance levels. Have a meeting ( without staff ) and sort it out!"
Read the story in full HERE.
De Gea's message
Manchester United had their goalkeeper David De Gea to thank again on Monday, as he produced a brilliant late save to keep the scores level.
While viewers were expecting the Red Devils to come on strong at St James' Park in search of a winner, it was the hosts who looked the most likely to grab the next goal.
With the clock ticking down, De Gea could only watch on as Jacob Murphy's effort rattled off the post, but he was alert and acrobatic to tip Miguel Almiron's follow-up shot over the crossbar.
After the game, the Spaniard posting on Instagram and called for more from the United players. "We have to start making these games count," he said. "We go again on Thursday."
Read the story in full HERE.
