Ralf Rangnick offers brutal explanation for Man Utd’s struggles

Former Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has issued a scathing review of the club's current situation, insisting they are "significantly worse" than when he first publicised their issues.

Appointed before Erik ten Hag became manager in 2022, Rangnick led United on an interim basis for the second half of the 2021/22 campaign with a view to becoming a club advisor, and the German did not hold back with his assessment of the team at the time.

He called for "open heart surgery" and a full rebuild behind the scenes. While new minority owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have moved to provide the latter, things on the field have taken a drastic turn, with United struggling down in 14th in the Premier League standings under Ruben Amorim.

"A few basic things needed to be changed, and since then £700m, if not £750m, has been spent on new players," he began. "And in the table they are even significantly worse than back then.

"They could actually, with a win in the Europa League, still save this season, because then they will be in the Champions League. Everything else would be a disappointment, and it will be interesting to see what will happen.

"They have signed a coach in the middle of the season who plays with a three or a five-back, and the squad was built based on a four-back system. This is what you see when you see them play, especially in Premier League games against the opponents against which Manchester United normally has to win.

"Sure, in the Europa League, they have – usually with the result against Lyon, you are eliminated – they have turned it around. And of course, the stadium had a huge effect."

Amorim has openly called for reinforcements in the summer transfer window, demanding players better-suited to his 3-4-2-1 formation, but United face the daunting prospect of having to sell players before signing new ones.

Efforts are currently focused on Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, but there are plans to sign a new striker and goalkeeper as well. Other plans, such as an expensive move for Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, could depend on whether United qualify for the Champions League.

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