Ralf Rangnick’s short stint as Manchester United’s interim manager was a forgettable one, and left his reputation somewhat dented.
After Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021, Ralf Rangnick stepped in as an interim manager for the rest of the 2021/22 campaign.
The club hoped he could steady the ship, but things never really improved under his watch.
He was also supposed to take on a two-year consultancy role after that season, but he never stuck around. Instead, he took over as Austria’s national team manager.
Oliver Glasner praises Ralf Rangnick’s impact
Rangnick left Man United with a win percentage of 37%, one of the lowest in the club’s managerial history.
He was praised at the time for his honesty and transparency, even providing the club with a list of recommended signings, but was not able to put together a long-term plan during his short stay.
His results may have also played a role in why United were comfortable letting him leave for Austria.
Regarding all that, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner feels that Rangnick is not fully appreciated for what he brings to the game.
“Oh yes [people underestimate Ragnick], absolutely, he proved it so many times and now with Austria he’s doing a great job with such enthusiasm again,” he told Stadium Astro.
“I hope we qualify for the World Cup. It will be the first time in 28 years for Austria.
“He’s not just a manager, he’s a Sporting Director. There’s a clear way of how he sees football and how he wants to play football. I think when I say this, these are the most important skills of being a manager – how you want to play and what players you need for this and how you teach them.
“He also understands people, he showed this at Hoffenheim with Brazilian and African players, he’s just an amazing manager and a great guy.”
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria record
Rangnick has now managed the Austrian national team in 38 matches since his spell at United ended.
Austria have picked up 22 wins from those fixtures, along with seven draws and nine losses.
Rangnick’s side are yet to drop a point in World Cup qualifying, sitting comfortably at the top of Group H.
Bosnia and Herzegovina look like their main rivals for top spot, but Austria have a game in hand and remain perfect so far.
If they stay on course, Rangnick could make history by leading them to their first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades.
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