Ralf Rangnick aims fresh dig at Manchester United

Ralf Rangnick has taken another swipe at Manchester United, asserting that his earlier diagnosis of the club’s need for “open-heart surgery” remains accurate two years after his departure.

Rangnick, who managed United on an interim basis during the 2021-22 season following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, only spent six months in charge.

Despite the brief tenure, Rangnick’s stint was notable for his forthright and controversial critique of the club’s internal issues.

Following a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, Rangnick said: “The good thing, one of the few, is it’s crystal clear.

“You don’t even need glasses to see the problems.

“Now it’s only about how you can solve them.

“Not minor cosmetic things.

“This is an open-heart operation.

“If everyone realises this has to happen and works together, it doesn’t need to take years.”

Erik ten Hag has faced challenges in restoring the glory days at Manchester United.

A surprising FA Cup final victory over Manchester City earned him a new contract.

However, with United losing two of their opening three Premier League fixtures in the 2024-25 season, including a demoralizing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford, Ten Hag is once again under intense scrutiny.

This situation has led Ralf Rangnick to reiterate his previous critique of the club.

In an interview with TV2, the former Red Devils boss reaffirmed his belief that significant changes are necessary for United.

He 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 his interim period ended, Rangnick was expected to stay on at Old Trafford in a consultancy role.

However, his association with Manchester United came to a sudden halt in April 2022 when it was mutually agreed that he would not assume the new position.

Rangnick subsequently took over as the manager of Austria’s national team.

Although Ten Hag’s appointment initially raised hopes for a revival, the club’s current challenges have reignited concerns about United’s internal structures.

Ten Hag will once again lead his team on Saturday against Southampton in a Premier League fixture.

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