Why Wasn’t Ralf Rangnick Able To Get Man Utd To Play Like Austria?

Berlin, Germany - June 25: Coach Ralf Rangnick from Austria watches the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage game between Netherlands and Austria at Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Jürgen Fromme - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)

Austria is seen as a surprise contender to go far in Euro 2024. Ralf Rangnick's team finished at the top of their group, which included strong teams like France, the Netherlands, and Poland. Their impressive 3-2 victory over the Netherlands was one of the standout performances of the tournament so far.

Austria's performance at Euro 2024 is truly impressive for a few reasons. One standout aspect is their unique style of play, characterized by excitement, dynamism, and aggression. This is not typically seen from a team with Austria's level of talent. Rangnick should be recognized for reshaping the team and getting the best out of the players.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Ralf Rangnick hugs Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United after their teams tie in the Premier League game between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 28, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Why didn't Rangnick do well during his brief time at Manchester United? The German manager was in control temporarily until the end of the 2021/22 season, but he couldn't make a positive impact on the team, which ended up finishing in sixth place in the Premier League standings.

The Rangnick team at Manchester United didn't have the usual characteristics that are usually present. They struggled to press high up the pitch and were slow and sluggish when they had the ball. This made it easy for other teams to play against them.

When comparing the energy and excitement seen in Austria at Euro 2024 to the lackluster performance of Ralf Rangnick during his six-month stint as manager of Manchester United, it's understandable that fans may feel perplexed. Rangnick was supposed to initiate a transformation of United's playing strategy, but unfortunately, that never came to fruition.

There were some big personalities in the Old Trafford locker room when Rangnick was there. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo didn't often lead the pressing from the front. Another United player, Marcus Rashford, has also faced criticism for his attitude. Was it possible that the Manchester United team just didn't agree with Rangnick's strategies and tactics?

In Berlin, Germany on June 25th, Christoph Baumgartner, Michael Gregoritsch, and Ralf Rangnick, Head Coach of Austria, are seen celebrating during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage game between Netherlands and Austria at Olympiastadion. The photo was taken by Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images.

Some may say that Rangnick is no longer up to date with the latest tactics in club football. However, his style of play still has the potential to be effective in the world of international football. It's true that Rangnick hasn't been a major player in club soccer for quite some time. Perhaps the international game suits him better at this point in his career.

No matter what happened, Rangnick just couldn't change Manchester United like he did with the Austrian national team. Austria's players have fully embraced the methods of the 65-year-old coach and are seeing positive outcomes from it. While Rangnick's team may not emerge as champions in Euro 2024, they are certainly leaving a lasting impression on the tournament.