Pep Guardiola comments on Manchester United’s Ralf Rangnick

Following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, there were a load of rumours surrounding Manchester United. The majority of them were concerned with the appointment of the club’s next manager. Several names like Zinedine Zidane, Brendan Rodgers, Mauricio Pochettino and others were linked with the role but ultimately, the Red Devils went for a short-term fix.

In what has been considered one of the most exciting decisions by the club in recent times, Manchester United brought in Ralf Rangnick, widely known for shaping the philosophy of gegenpressing, as the interim manager till the end of the season.

The German coach, who is believed to have been an influence on some of the best managers in the world today, will now see the 2021/22 season through at Old Trafford.

If everything goes spectacularly well, Rangnick could possibly be offered the managerial job on a permanent basis at the end of the season. Otherwise, he will continue in a consultancy role for two years.

Pep Guardiola has commented on the Manchester United manager

While Rangnick has been an influence on several managers, Guardiola is believed to have been an influence on the German. The former Bayern Munich manager played down such suggestions though.

As reported by the Express, Guardiola said:

"“My impact on these managers – Jurgen, Thomas and Ralf – is zero.“They set it for themselves. I learn from German culture and football a lot.“I was a guy who got many things in this incredible country, they show how good they are, Nagelsmann at Munich.“The manager for Southampton is exceptional, Ralf as well. Managers from Germany are a top level, I learn a lot from them.”"

With Rangnick in the managerial hot seat, Manchester United secured a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace in the Premier League last Sunday. The Red Devils played exceptionally well, and there were some notable changes in the system as well as in the collective approach of the players.

It is hard to judge Rangnick’s second game in charge though as he named a very different starting XI against Young Boys as Manchester United’s place in the knockout phase was already secure. They played out a 1-1 draw in their final game of the group stage campaign.