Ralf Rangnick proves major point after his Manchester United exit

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Former Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is celebrating after accomplishing a key goal.

Ralf Rangnick was supposed to be at Manchester United right now. The 2023/24 season was due to be the second of his two-year role as strategic consultant, after his bridge spell as interim manager.

But by time Erik ten Hag had arrived as permanent manager, the decision was taken for Rangnick to move on.

Whose decision this was, we will never truly know. Many fans suspect Rangnick was ‘too critical’ of the club, with his home-truths delivered in his press conferences.

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Ralf Rangnick heading to Euro 2024

Aside from whether he was wanted at Manchester United or not, one of the reasons he left was to pursue a role with the Austrian national team.

Prior to Ten Hag’s arrival, Rangnick had insisted he could do both jobs at once.

But this may not have worked, and Manchester United’s loss was Austria’s gain.

Rangnick’s Austria secured a 1-0 victory away at Azerbaijan last night to seal qualification for Euro 2024, with former United loanee Marcel Sabitzer scoring the winner.

Austria are now guaranteed to finish in the two top spots along with Belgium, with Victor Lindelof‘s Sweden failing to qualify for a second major tournament in a row.

Booking a place at Euro 2024 is a major success for Austria, who failed to reach the last World Cup.

Rangnick was tasked with a rebuild, and has achieved the first part of his mission, to guide his country to the next major tournament.

After a troubled managerial spell at Manchester United, for many reasons beyond his control, Rangnick will be pleased to have shown himself perfectly capable in a tricky situation, where many would have favoured Sweden to qualify above Austria.

Manchester United search for expertise

Ralf Rangnick’s current managerial success with Austria does show he’s a man of many talents. This isn’t his main speciality. Rangnick’s qualities really lie with his expertise in recruitment and building clubs behind the scenes.

Manchester United were foolish to squander his expertise here, especially having done the hard part of getting him through the door in the first place.

Now, United are set to receive new investment, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to seize command of the club’s football operations.

The Times reports he is likely to want to bring in his own group of experts. Rangnick won’t be among them, but Ratcliffe will be looking for somebody with a similar reputation and skillset.