Ralf Rangnick’s hiring as Manchester United interim boss gives the club another fresh start.
The situation the German finds himself in is a little unique, as most interim bosses would be focused on short-term impact and quick fix solutions.
Rangnick is different, as he has a two-year role at United beyond this season. That means he will consider longer term solutions to improving the team.
One of these is making use of United’s academy. Rangnick’s previous work at RB Leipzig saw him work across the whole club to maximise it’s potential. Here is a look at three players who could benefit from Rangnick’s arrival…
Anthony Elanga
Anthony Elanga is on the cusp of Manchester United’s first team after an impressive 2021, which saw him make his debut.
This season he has not had the chances he would have hoped for, restricted to just one EFL Cup substitute appearance.
The 19-year-old has been a consistent performer for the club’s academy teams this season, netting five goals and providing three assists in 10 games.
Elanga has seven goals in seven games for Sweden’s under-21 side and it won’t be long until he is pushing for his senior debut.
A loan deal is possible for Elanga in January, and looked probable prior to Rangnick’s arrival. The incoming boss could elect to sell Anthony Martial and promote the young talent.
Hannibal
Rangnick told The Athletic he spent 18 months scouting Jude Bellingham, and it is impossible he would not be aware of United’s prodigious talent Hannibal Mejbri.
United landed Hannibal in 2019 from Monaco and he made his first team debut at the end of last season.
Just signing the player is not enough. Rangnick regards coaching the best out of the player as the most important next step.
Hannibal’s versatility could see him flourish in Rangnick’s 4-2-2-2 system, especially considering United’s need to remodel the midfield.
The teenager has the raw talent to become a superstar with the right guidance and Rangnick and his coaching staff could get the best out of him.
Hannibal is at the Arab Cup with Tunisia for the next fortnight, and when he returns, he should be even sharper and ready for first team action.
Kobbie Mainoo
If Rangnick is prepared to really look long term into next season, he will be very intrigued by young talent Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo, 16, has been one of United’s best players for the under-18s this season, and he has recently stepped up and played three under-23 matches.
The teenager is an England youth international who could be fast-tracked in United’s system.
Mainoo is a skilful, tenacious central midfielder who likes to get forward and he possesses the raw skills to develop into a top first team player.
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