Former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick believes the club requires significant changes to restore its former glory. In a recent interview with Sport, Rangnick emphasized the need for strategic investment in young players, rather than splurging on established stars.
“If I were the owner/sporting director, I would only try to sign and invest in young players because no matter how you look at it, it only makes sense,” Rangnick stated. He questioned the logic of spending large transfer fees on older players, citing the financial risks involved. “Does it make sense to spend a transfer fee of 30/40/50 million for a 30/28 year old?
Let’s make that calculation. You sign a 30/28 year old, give him a five-year contract. You spend on average 15m/year on wages, times five, that’s 75m. The total is about 110/120m, then there are the agent fees. The whole deal is about 150m. For what?”
Rangnick argued that such investments are unlikely to yield significant returns, and may even lead to financial losses. “You’ll never get that money back. If you’re unlucky, in the last years of his contract, the player doesn’t even play anymore. The only thing you do if you do that is you invest in a possibly greater amount of success in the first few years. This is like a bet. I would never allow that to happen.”
Rangnick’s comments highlight the challenges facing Manchester United as they seek to rebuild and compete with top clubs in the Premier League. The club’s strategy will likely focus on developing young talent and making shrewd investments in the transfer market.
Rangnick’s comments reflect his frustration with the club’s struggles during his tenure as interim manager. He emphasized that the issues facing Manchester United require more than just minor adjustments, comparing the necessary overhaul to “open-heart surgery”. Erik ten Hag, who succeeded Rangnick, has echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the need for substantial changes to restore the club’s former glory. The Austrian coach’s assessment highlights the complexity of Manchester United’s problems and the need for strong leadership to drive meaningful reforms.¹