As rumours continue to pick up pace, it does feel like Ralf Rangnick is set to become the Manchester United interim manager very soon. And that is an exciting move for Manchester United to be sure. The German is considered as one of the most influential figures in modern football management whose fingerprints can be seen all over the game.
He has had notable stints at Schalke, RB Leipzig and a few other clubs. But it is those who he has influenced over the years, who have gone on to enjoy even more success. Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann are just a few of them.
It is safe to say that Tuchel has done a brilliant job ever since joining Chelsea. He has already guided them to the UEFA Champions League title and the Blues are looking very strong this season till now, despite having several significant injury worries.
Tuchel is one of those that Rangnick has had an influence on and the Chelsea manager admitted the same. As reported by BBC, he said:
"“He helped me a lot. He was my coach.“Then he was one of the main figures to convince me to try coaching. He had a huge influence on all of us at this time. He showed me it’s not necessary to follow people to the toilet in football games.“That was the belief then, the defenders follow strikers wherever they go. He showed us it’s possible to defend everybody in a zone.”"
Rangnick could be a terrific appointment for Manchester United
If Rangnick does end up getting the Manchester United job, it would be the biggest of his legendary career. And it will be interesting to see how he does.
Gegenpressing, the idea that he helped shape has already been used to great success in the Premier League though. Klopp’s Liverpool side are most famous for using it while Tuchel’s Chelsea side certainly have elements of it as well.
All things considered, Rangnick’s appointment could prove to be a great move on the part of Manchester United. It will definitely be quite a move away from the style of football that they have played in recent times though and it remains to be seen who fit in the manager’s system and who don’t.
It must be pointed out though that nothing is official yet but the move is expected to go through soon.