Rangnick during his time as interim boss at United
Rangnick during his time as interim boss at United
Supporters of Erik ten Hag would often point to two trophies in two seasons as reason to keep the Dutchman during his final months as Manchester United boss.
You couldn't argue with the silverware that had been added to the trophy cabinet, but what you could argue against was a shocking record in the transfer market and a non-existent style of play after two years at the club.
United's decision not to part ways with Ten Hag last summer set them back years, with millions spent in the summer transfer window and the team regressing markedly in the Dutchman's third season at the club.
A mid-season managerial change is never ideal, let alone when the new boss brings with him such a distinct style of play. However, as bad as last season was, at least Ruben Amorim has a clear vision moving forward, something United have lacked for far too long.
Ralf Rangnick addressed that issue during his time as interim boss prior to Ten Hag's arrival, using Liverpool and Manchester City as examples should look to follow after a humiliating defeat against the former in April 2022.
"If you look at those two clubs who are currently dominating the Premier League [ and Liverpool], they did exactly that [rebuild]," Rangnick said.
"They brought in two managers, but not only did they bring in two managers, but they also changed the whole thing with regard to formation and what kind of players we need. I mean, the headline of everything was, 'How do we want to play?'. The team needs a rebuild, and therefore, for me, it's clear that there will be six, seven, eight, maybe ten new players.
"Before you sign those players, you need to be aware of who you want to play and what kind of football the new manager wants to play. Then, take it from there. Bring every single player fitting into that kind of profile."
There's no denying last season was United's nadir of the Premier League era, finishing 15th with a -10 goal difference and failing to secure European football of any kind for next season.
However, wholesale changes are expected at the club this summer and in Amorim they have a manager with a clear vision.
Rangnick commended Liverpool and City for bringing in new managers who 'changed the whole thing with regard to formation' and suggested United needed as many as ten new players.
The latter might take a few transfer windows but it's clear United are following Rangnick's advice.
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