Manchester United’s new manager: Who is Ralf Rangnick?

Manchester United look to have found their interim manager in the form of German, Ralf Rangnick. Reports say the former Leipzig boss will be placed in charge at Old Trafford for the final six months of the season.

Rangnick is well respected in his native home, and has been managing for over 25 years, but just who is he, and what can he bring to Manchester?

The ins and outs of Ralf Rangnick

Rangnick had a rather uneventful playing career; beginning at VFB Stuttgart, before playing across Europe, but mainly in Germany. He would begin his management career at the age of 25 with FC Viktoria Backnang as a player-manger before getting his first full managerial job at SC Korb, in 1988.

The German’s first taste of the Bundesliga would not come until 1999, when he took over at VFB Stuttgart, before spells at Hannover 96, Schalke 04 and 1899 Hoffenheim. With his first four Bundesliga clubs, Rangnick won five trophies.

In 2012, he made his first foray into the more executive positions within football, joining the Red Bull Group, and Red Bull Salzburg as the Director of Football. In 2015, the now 63-year-old took the reigns at RB Leipzig. He would win promotion in his first season but be replaced by Ralph Hassenhuttl. He would return in 2018 to lead the club to a UEFA Europa League qualification.

During Rangnick’s time in management

During his time in management, Rangnick has gained a lot of respect, particularly in Germany, from fellow German managers. His sides have been noted for their high-pressing style, alongside fast-paced attacking football and smart use of zonal-marking.

The German is even credited with developing “Gegenpressing”, which is where a team immediately attempts to win the ball back after losing possession via pressing. Nicknamed ‘The Professor’, Rangnick is cited as a big influence to managers such as Jurgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.

It is understood that United plan to give him a six-month contract, with an additional two years in an adviser role, possibly to replace the outgoing Ed Woodward, in the Director of Football role.

Should the deal go through, Rangnick would give the Red Devils some new direction and strong organisation. Something that could finally bring a team full of talent together, and get it moving towards silverware.

It’s important to note that the German did turn down Chelsea a year prior as he was only offered an interim role, so should he come through the door at Old Trafford, expect him to be around, even if that isn’t on the sideline.

No matter what Rangnick’s role becomes at United: he brings a wealth of experience and respect, and despite his lack of big honours, can bring this team together, steady the ship, before laying the foundations to see the squad flourish.