Ralf Rangnick left Manchester United in 2022 before his two-year consultancy role could fully begin.
It was an odd decision, considering that Ralf Rangnick’s role as interim boss was just a bridge to get to the point where he could start work as an advisor.
Many fans thought Rangnick must have simply burned too many bridges with his forthright views in press conferences, criticising the lack of organisation at the club, now finally being addressed by new investors Ineos.
The other view, was that Rangnick was halfway out the door in any case, accepting the Austria manager’s job.
Ralf Rangnick led Austria to Euro 2024
Ralf Rangnick has managed to rebuild his managerial reputation after it took a hit amid a chaotic spell at Manchester United, much of which was not his fault.
Rangnick has proved to be well suited to international management, leading Austria to Euro 2024.
He even had to turn down an approach from Bayern Munich, preferring to stay on the international stage.
Rangnick’s Austria took on France
Last night Ralf Rangnick’s Austria played their opening match of Euro 2024, taking on pre-tournament favourites France. They competed well, losing 1-0 due to an own goal.
One decision which caught Gary Neville’s eye, was his decision to select former Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer in a free role on the left.
Neville told ITV: “He came in at obviously a very difficult time for the club. He looked a little bit leggy, looked like it was a little bit quick for him, but then you watch him play for Dortmund this season, you see where he is playing there for Austria, on that left-hand side, and you would never believe watching him for United you would put him on the left of midfield.
“You wouldn’t think he would have the legs to get in and out of there.”
One of Sabitzer’s top traits has always been his versatility. Back in his early days at Red Bull Salzburg he was once a prolific striker, scoring 27 goals in a season.
He drifted inside centrally for Austria last night too, almost setting up an opener with an excellent pass for Christoph Baumgartner, who saw his shot saved.
Erik ten Hag did experiment with Sabitzer’s position, playing him in an advanced role towards the end of his loan before he got injured.
Playing him out wide was not an idea Ten Hag got around to. But he showed last night he could do the job, tribute to his own versatility, and Ralf Rangnick’s creativity.