Only Norwich and Newcastle have conceded more goals than Manchester United this season.
Both sides are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and for United to share a similarly poor defensive record is a damning indictment of where the club was heading under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The decision to relieve Solskjaer of his duties came one month too late and that has meant that the damage left behind may be irreversible in regards to the Reds' title hopes this term.
However, while United are 12 points behind the league leaders, Chelsea, Solskjaer has still left United in better shape than his predecessor, Jose Mourinho, did three years ago. There is a foundation to build from and a world-class squad to work with.
Ralf Rangnick will inherit Solskjaer's side after terms were agreed for the German to join the club on an interim basis on Thursday.
The more you read about Rangnick, the more the appointment just makes sense. Although he'll arrive on an initial six-month deal, there are plans for a two-year consultancy role to follow and his wealth of experience and tactical nous will be invaluable.
There was a feeling that Solskjaer's managerial principles were founded upon man-management as opposed to detailed tactical knowledge and Rangnick is the opposite to the Norwegian. He's exactly what United need.
Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann all credit Rangnick as a compelling influence, but the true extent of his impact goes beyond those elite managers.
While Rangnick was the mastermind at board room level behind RB Leipzig's meteoric rise from the lower divisions of German football to the Champions League, he forged his reputation as a coach and he last managed at Leipzig during the 2018/19 season.
RB Leipzig conceded the fewest goals (29) in the Bundesliga during that campaign, a better record than champions Bayern Munich (32).
Rangnick will bring a sense of purpose to United which they lacked under Solskjaer this season, however, his work with players on an individual basis and his ability to tighten up the Reds' backline might be more important considering United's struggles in defence.
United have fielded a defence - including De Gea - that has been worth in excess of £200m in most Premier League games this season, however, despite this financial value based on transfer fees, their back four is statically one of the worst.
Rangnick's previous stint in management shows he's the right man to fix this weakness, but it won't be straightforward. Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all underperforming and Rangnick will need to inspire improvement from all three.
If Rangnick can address this glaring weakness at the back, United should duly rise up the Premier League table.
