Only five days on from overcoming Aston Villa amidst an underwhelming showing in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford, a Scott McTominay header the difference, United venture to Villa Park for the reverse Premier League fixture.
Revenge was achieved on Monday night, however United will hope to further respond to their September defeat against Villa - still under Dean Smith at the time. However, given the standard of showing from their opposition earlier in the week, recently-appointed manager Steven Gerrard will have a side instilled with belief that achieving the 'league double' is entirely feasible.
"It is a work in progress," Rangnick said when talking about the current situation at United. "We have taken a few steps but not as quickly as I hoped it would be. As a coach you are never patient, you always want to develop things quicker and faster."
The visiting outfit will take encouragement from the fact that they are unbeaten in their last 22 visits to Villa Park, winning on 15 occasions - most recently a 3-1 victory at the latter end of last term. At the moment, though, United are enduring a run of dropping points in four of their past six away league matches.
Villa, will be invigorated by the availability of January addition Lucas Digne having acquired the left back from Everton. On a dampener, it has been revealed by Gerrard that Phillipe Coutinho is unlikely to make his debut for the club on Saturday evening as he is "not match fit". In the longer run, the Birmingham side will be hoping that the pair can help steer them higher and away from their current situation in 14th place.
The hosts will be without John McGinn through suspension, whilst United are missing Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay through the same means. Alex Telles "will play" in Shaw's absence as expected, Rangnick confirmed.
Marcus Rashford was heavily criticised for a 'lethargic' performance in Monday's win. However, Rangnick said that, "There have been a couple of training sessions over the past few weeks when he has performed at the highest level and that is why I always give him the chance to play again. As long as he does that, he will always make my list to be involved within the starting XI."
"We speak quite frequently - either myself or my coaching staff, even [psychologist] Sascha Lense, to try to help him to try to find out how to improve his performances in a sustainable way. There is no doubt that he has massive talent, he’s one of our fastest players, he can score goals, he is tall enough, he has the physicality and can do that on a regular basis, those runs."
The word on the quartet that missed out on Monday night was that "they should be available."
Harry Maguire has overcome his rib issue, whilst Phil Jones' absence was viewed more of a rest having returned from his two year spell sidelined the week prior. Jadon Sancho had some issues with his hamstrings which appear to have been overcome, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo appears raring to go after a minor issue kept him out of the cup tie.
Raring to go might actually be an understatement for Ronaldo, who has dominated headlines in recent days leading up to his side's return to Premier League action. A punchy interview was released during the week, with Ronaldo rallying the troops as United head into the second half of their campaign.
"I don't want to be here in the club to fight for sixth, seventh or fifth place," Ronaldo said. "I'm here to try to win, to compete. I think we compete but we are not yet at our best level. In my eyes I don’t accept that our mentality be less than to be in the top three. I hope to win one title, to go through in the Champions League and to be in the top four."
"We have a long way to improve because for me the most important thing is to look at yourself and say you can help the team much more. If you have some dignity you have to do much more - starting with me."
"We have to be united in the difficult moments. We won’t give up. The only people that give up are those that are weak mentally."
"To build up a good things sometimes you have to destroy a few things," Ronaldo insisted. "To win the league it’s a marathon not a sprint. You have to be consistent. This is why the best teams probably in England is City, Liverpool and Chelsea because they are more consistent. We have to look at that and believe we are capable to do it the same way. We know it’s tough but I believe. Some things have to change but we have the potential."
"I’m back to Manchester United because I love this club not because of money."
"I believe we have huge potential to win stuff. We have to find the best way to achieve these results. We have a few things to change and have to accept when you’re not in your best shape. We have a long way to improve but I believe."
"It’s always sad when you see a manager go. We changed from Ole to Carrick and to this new coach. It’s difficult when you change so much, but I still believe we are capable to do a good season. He arrived here five weeks ago. He changed many things but he needs time to put his ideas through the players and on the pitch as well. I believe he is going to do a good job. We knew we didn't play the best football as we should do but we have many games to improve. Since he arrived I think in some points we are better but he needs time."
Rangnick may need time, but an upturn is required very promptly to help United get back on track in the league. The Red Devils are six points adrift of the top four, though do have a pair of games in hand on fourth-place West Ham. However, even after games in hand have been fulfilled, United will still be headed by Arsenal and Spurs, with the former side ahead despite a game in hand of their own.
The revitalisation starts here.
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