Ralf Rangnick was not at Manchester United for very long, taking on an interim manager role for around six months between 2021 and 2022. However, he imparted plenty of wisdom during this time.
The German pointed out a number of shortcomings within the club, which he has since been proven right on. He also had a good eye on future transfers, but his touted signings weren't backed by the club's hierarchy. What's more, he tipped Scott McTominay for big things, and was right again – although the midfielder delivered on his talent at Napoli after leaving Man Utd.
In short, considering Rangnick's hit-rate, it's always worth looking back at what he's said about certain players. Jadon Sancho is one footballer who has struggled at Old Trafford in recent times, but the German has long been positive about the winger.
Ralf Rangnick Felt Jadon Sancho Needed More Confidence at Man Utd
Spoke about the pressure of being a big-money transfer
Sancho joined Man Utd in 2021 for £73m, just months before Rangnick arrived in England. The young winger had a slow start to life under the interim boss, struggling to get into the starting XI.
That said, Rangnick was full of praise for Sancho when speaking to the press in January. He said:
“Whenever I see him train, he’s showing that he’s one of the best players in the training sessions.
“But now it’s about transferring that to when he’s playing, and showing the same kind of level and performance on the pitch.
“I said that to him, by the way, the day before yesterday: 'Confirm the performances you show in training when you’re playing on the pitch.'”
One issue Rangnick was quizzed on was where to play Sancho. At Borussia Dortmund, he played on both flanks, but often with an overlapping wingback to support him. At United, the team played a 4-3-3, which may have explained his slow adaptation. But his coach felt he was fine to play in that role on either side, although he claimed that Sancho was happiest playing on the left.
More notably, though, Rangnick seemed to think the biggest issue was Sancho dealing with the contrasting styles of the Premier League and the Bundesliga. And, perhaps even more so, the pressure of his price tag, having arrived in Germany without such big expectations:
“It’s difficult to say. I think it’s a different league, it’s a different competition. It’s more physical. Now he’s playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world."
He added: “Everybody expected from him that he would be one of the best players in the team. Again, this is psychologically, emotionally a more challenging situation than the one he had at Borussia Dortmund, and these are exactly the kind of steps that he has to make to become a top player for the next 10 years for this club.”
He emphasised that confidence is key, before concluding:
“We can give him the guidelines, we can give him helping hands and show him that we are trying to accompany him on this way, and give all the necessary assistance that he needs, but in the end it’s up to him to take those next steps.”
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Rangnick Did Not Question Sancho's Discipline After Leaving
"He is a calm and pleasant guy"
After he left United in 2022, he spoke about Sancho's continued struggles at Old Trafford. There were claims that discipline was an issue for the English, and Erik ten Hag would banish him from the first team after a falling out.
However, Rangnick defended Sancho, claiming that his attitude had not been a problem when they worked together. He told Sky Sport Germany:
"In the six months I had him, there wasn't a single discipline problem. On the contrary. He is a calm and pleasant guy.
"He had his best time in Dortmund and, when he was healthy, always played for me. However, he wasn't as carefree as in Dortmund. But that was also due to the overall situation. When he was fit, he was set and did well under me. He no longer had a chance in Manchester [this season]. He now has to get back into a rhythm and really into shape in Dortmund. From his point of view, the change makes perfect sense."
Sancho will now return to Man United with his future unclear, following a largely underwhelming loan spell at Chelsea.