Ralf Rangnick gave the names of four players to Man United to consider as transfer targets this summer, according to reports.
This occurred before the German left the club in May to manage the Austrian national team.
Rangnick made headlines towards the end of his interim reign at Old Trafford, after a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. He claimed that, such was the extent of the rebuild required, United needed to sign ‘maybe 10 new players‘ in the summer transfer window.
He told Sky Sports: “We have to accept that Liverpool are six years ahead of us now. When Jurgen Klopp came, they changed at the club, and lifted not just the team, but the club and city, to a new level. That is what needs to happen with us in the next transfer windows.
“If you analyse the situation, it is not difficult to analyse. For me, it is clear. There will be six, seven, eight, maybe 10 new players. Before you sign those players, you need to be aware of how you want to play.”
Rangnick was expected to take up a part-time advisory role with the club that would last two years, following the conclusion of his stint as interim manager. But he left the club weeks after the end of last season.
Before his departure, he reportedly held a two-hour phone call with new boss Erik ten Hag, bluntly explaining what needed to be done at Old Trafford this summer. But whilst there have been small signs of a rebuild, fans expect much more to be done.
Who have Man United signed – and not signed – this window?
So far, Ten Hag and Man United have completed three permanent signings this summer. Lisandro Martinez arrived from Ajax for a fee that could rise to £57 million based on add-ons.
Left-back Tyrell Malacia has joined the club from Feyenoord, whilst Christian Eriksen signed for United on a free transfer.
Despite this, most of the focus has been on players that United haven’t signed. Frenkie de Jong has been a much-publicised target since Ten Hag took charge in May, but the Red Devils still haven’t been able to get a deal over the line, despite Barcelona accepting a bid.
However, the situation is far more complicated, with the club still owing De Jong €17 million in deferred wage payments. The player himself is reportedly more keen on joining Chelsea if he does leave the Nou Camp.
United’s desperate striker hunt, meanwhile, has turned to the unlikely source of former West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic. However, the pursuit of the 33-year-old met its end earlier this week after ex-United players reportedly voiced their disapproval of the deal directly to the club.
The latest link is to PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo. He can also play as a forward, and netted 21 goals in all competitions last term.
Ralf Rangnick recommended four players to Man United
According to the Manchester Evening News, Ralf Rangnick recommended that United bring in four specific players to the club this summer. As of yet, none of the players have been signed.
The German wanted United to sign a trio of players from RB Leipzig. The first of these names is 20-year-old centre-back Josko Gvardiol, who has earned rave reviews across Europe. Manchester City reportedly had a bid of €80 million rejected for his services earlier in the window.
Rangnick also recommended that the club attempt to sign midfielder Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman had an incredible 2021/22 season, netting 20 goals and providing 13 assists in 34 Bundesliga games.
He also scored seven goals in just six games in the Champions League, and four in six in the Europa League and DFB-Pokal. At 24, Nkunku is already one of the top players on the planet.
The third Leipzig player Rangnick recommended was Konrad Laimer. Primarily a midfielder, the 25-year-old can also operate at full-back, which would have solved two problem areas that have affected United for several years. Rangnick now manages Laimer in his role as Austria head coach.
Finally, it is reported that Rangnick wanted United to attempt to sign Erling Haaland, because of the release clause in his Borussia Dortmund contract that City eventually activated. However, this would likely have been a non-starter due to the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
He also noted another eventual City signing in Julian Alvarez, who joined the blue side of Manchester in January. In addition, he had tracked Luis Diaz before his signing by Liverpool.
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