Have United finally got their man in Ralf Rangnick?
Manchester United has not won the league title since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 which has brought about several changes in and around the hierarchy at Old Trafford.
Several managers have tried, yet failed, to bring back the glory days to the club with different philosophies and ideas of how football, in general, should be played.
The major target for United of getting closer to the English Premier League title looks further away than ever and winning a place among the elite of European football once again currently seems a long way off.
Though David Moyes got the nod immediately after Sir Alex Ferguson it was obvious the role was more demanding than he envisaged, as he was later relieved to make way for the Dutchman; Louis van Gaal, who took the role permanently into the 2014/2015 season. LVG was able to assemble a team of well-known, reputable players from all over the world which gave the fans high hopes of what was to come.
His tenure came to an end after his first season success where he finished in the top four but couldn’t keep up with it in the following season finishing outside the top four even though he triumphed in the FA cup, bringing home his only trophy with the Red Devils.
Moreover, the appointment of Mourinho had what has arguably been termed as the best post-Sir Alex Ferguson Era – winning three trophies in his first season. He then managed to finish second the following season which was seen as an improvement on the underwhelming records of their previous coaches.
This good run soon ended for him in the December as United were lingering around 6th in the league and a whopping 19 points behind league leaders Liverpool, before Ole took over the team as interim manager to lift the team which immediately took a positive turn with a winning run, which certainly rounded off their season perfectly.
He had his squad playing the United way and gave the fans some renewed hope before the Norwegian was appointment permanently, Ole was truly at the wheel.
Though, the former United striker, in his first full season at Old Trafford, showed glimpses of more progress with a top-four finish and four cup semi-finals, his second full season was met with questions as United were eliminated from the Champions’ League group stage before their Europa League final loss to Villarreal.
Though Ole left United a fortnight ago after their humiliating defeat to Watford, Rangnick was justly appointed to salvage the United’s season and get them competing at the very highest level once again
Before Rangnick, Ole’s United was one of the early favorites to win the league behind City and Liverpool, thanks to the acquisition of Ronaldo, but with few recent points dropped and inconsistent performances, United’s chance of winning the league have dropped behind Chelsea with odds at 150-1. But, United have the tools, the players and the talent to revert that, so if you are looking to get in the action it would be wise to look at the betting odds in the best sportsbooks and check all the great matchups coming up.
German managers have become a considerable force in club football over recent years with their successes in Europe’s top leagues and the UCL. Chelsea’s triumph in the Champions League last season has been largely down to the tactical prowess of Thomas Tuchel.
Jurgen Klopp on the other hand, has kept the German flag flying for Liverpool since he moved to Anfield in 2015 with impressive Premier League and Champions League success in recent times.
German managers bring the best out in the German leagues and German football teams have shown recently that their domestic success can be achieved in other leagues, and so it was no surprise when another Rangnick was announced to be taking over management of the team for the remainder of the season.
His record at sides such as RB Leipzig, Schalke O4 and Hoffenheim among others have led to questions being asked among the United faithful as to whether United have finally got their man.
It remains to be seen how his tenure turns out and as he has said in a recent interview, it will be difficult to turn down an offer if he was asked to extend his stay beyond the end of the current season.
However, from the lackadaisical play under the previous manager, the team is now playing with such intensity and compactness, it gives them an advantage over other teams with which was greatly evident during their recent games against Crystal Palace and Norwich.
Ralf Rangnick is currently shadowing the path of the previous coaches with a great start to his career at the Theatre of Dreams, but his team will need to be alert when facing their next opponents despite the herald of stars that has the German tactician.
However, with the rejuvenation of Arsenal, the consistency of West Ham, and the resurgence of Spurs under Conte, Manchester United will need to be at their best to clinch the last automatic qualifying spot for next season’s Champions League qualification behind Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City.
