Ralf Rangnick, the former interim Manchester United manager, has once again voiced his concerns about the club and its current manager, Erik ten Hag. His recent comments have reopened old wounds and cast a spotlight on the ongoing issues at Old Trafford.
Rangnick, 66, took over as interim manager in 2021 before Manchester United appointed former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag as his long-term successor. During his brief stint at the helm, he was notably critical of the squad he inherited. He famously described the club's situation as needing 'open-heart surgery' during a press conference.
Despite making only one signing during his tenure—a player whom Ten Hag is particularly fond of—Rangnick’s opinion about the state of affairs at Old Trafford hasn't changed since leaving.
The Austrian manager speaks out again
During an interview with TV2 during this international break, Rangnick reiterated his concerns about Manchester United. Although he didn't specify what these problems were in this latest interview, it is clear that he believes there are still significant issues that need addressing within the team.
Ralf Rangnick, Austria National Team Manager, said:
"I probably made that statement when the season was almost over about two years ago. It is probably only two or three weeks since Erik ten Hag was asked the same thing.
"Then he said that I was right in my analysis. I don’t know how many players they have signed since, but it looks like I was right."
After leaving Old Trafford following his temporary spell in charge, there were rumours that Rangnick would step into a consultancy role for Man Utd. However, instead of taking up this position or any other role within club football management again immediately after leaving Man Utd., he chose to take up a permanent job with Austria’s national team.
Since taking over Austria's national team reins from Franco Foda after Euro 2020 disappointment for Austria (they were eliminated by Italy in Round of 16), Ragnick has led them to another round-of-16 finish at Euro 2024 this summer - showing signs that perhaps it wasn't him, but the squad he inherited at Man Utd. that was the problem.
A warning to Erik ten Hag
Rangnick's recent comments seem to serve as a warning to Ten Hag about the challenges he may face with his current squad. Since taking over, Ten Hag has experienced mixed results. His team suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Liverpool fixture before the international break and also lost against Brighton last month.
These results seem to validate Rangnick's past criticisms of Manchester United and highlight the uphill battle that Ten Hag faces in turning around this storied club's fortunes.
Ralf Rangnick’s latest comments on Manchester United have once again stirred up discussions about the club’s current state and future direction under Erik ten Hag. It remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed moving forward.
