Former German international Stefan Effenberg has given a wide ranging interview in which he was asked about Manchester United under Ralf Rangnick and Cristiano Ronaldo.
There is real interest in Germany in Rangnick’s stint at Old Trafford, after the former RB Leipzig supremo was asked to try and turn the team around after the wheels came off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s rebuild.
Effenberg told Sportsbuzzer he believes Rangnick has a tall order to improve United, considering the lack of success
First of all: It can’t be a coincidence that a world club that is in such a good financial position hasn’t won an important title for years. Mistakes were made, wrong decisions made. Despite all the problems and the great competition, it is part of the self-image of the club and the fans that you get far in the Champions League and at least in the top four in the league. Not an easy task for Rangnick now, he has to deal with many problem areas.
Effenberg on Rangnick
Rangnick can only do so much in a short-term stretch, and was not given any funds to strengthen the team in January. If anything it got weaker, with players departing on loan.
The interim boss has helped United create more chances than any other team since he took charge, although a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal has meant United have not taken full advantage of this.
Rangnick’s true value will be shown over the next two years, in which he will take up an advisory role. Here he will play a part in key strategic decisions, which will include the future of top goalscorer this season, 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.
Tough task for Ronaldo too
Effenberg says he has sympathy for all concerned when it comes to Ronaldo’s situation, the supporters’ attached to him, the striker’s challenge at his age, and the manager attempting to sort it all out.
This is another Rangnick construction site. For United fans, Ronaldo is untouchable for life because he has done incredible things for the club. In purely sporting terms, he is above the zenith with all the class that still exists. A goalkeeper or defender at 37 might still be able to consistently deliver at that level. As a striker, it’s much more difficult these days, almost impossible.
Effenberg on Ronaldo
One of the many players linked with potentially replacing Cristiano Ronaldo is RB Leipzig forward Christian Nkunku, who has scored 25 goals this season, including two in a 4-0 German Cup victory over Hannover on Wednesday night.
ESPN reported Rangnick has recommended Nkunku to United’s scouting department with a view to a summer deal.
Effenberg spoke about Nkunku in the interview and says RB Leipzig face a really tough task to hang onto the in-form Frenchman this summer.
It’s fun to watch him. Everything looks easy and playful with him, he stands out extremely, was also the difference player in the weak first half of the season in Leipzig. He’s definitely on the list of many top European clubs. It’s going to be hard for RB to keep him. Despite the contract.
Effenberg on Nkunku
He went onto suggest Bayern Munich may also be interested in Nkunku, but admits the intensity of the Premier League is going to be very attractive to the Leipzig star.
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