Key Takeaways
Ralf Rangnick set up Man United for future success despite failing to prove worth as interim manager.
Recommended players like Julian Alvarez, Luis Diaz, and Erling Haaland, who later excelled at other clubs.
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Missed opportunities like Morata, Vlahovic, and Nkunku haunt United as these players shine elsewhere.
Not many Manchester United supporters will not look back at Ralf Rangnick's time at the helm fondly, though he did all he could to set the club up for a more prominent future. The 66-year-old German, who is now in charge of the Austrian national team and was also strongly linked with the Bayern Munich job earlier this year, was appointed the Red Devils' manager on an interim basis in November 2021 - but ultimately failed to prove his worth.
He was poised to remain at the club in a consultancy role to support Erik ten Hag in his inaugural season in England, but upped and left soon after the Dutchman's arrival. Rangnick, who has registered the worst points-per-game ratio of all managers to have attempted to steady the ship after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, took charge of all recruitment-based decisions at RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg but failed to stamp his authority in Manchester in the same regard.
There were, however, a flurry of names that he recommended to the club during his short association, though none of them came to fruition. 'Open-heart surgery' is what Rangnick claimed the squad needed during his final weeks at the club, as he made it clear that significant changes were required - and some time down the line, it's evidently clear that the same issues are still embroiled at Old Trafford.
According to the Daily Mail, there were several names discussed as potential signings by Rangnick, including Manchester City duo Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland. But that's not where the list ends. Some have made alternative high-profile moves, and some are still waiting to be snapped up. Let's take a look at what they're all up to now.
1 Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea signed Argentine midfielder for £106.8m
Before his Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo broke the record, Enzo Fernandez signed for the west Londoners for a then-British record £106.8 million fee. The 23-year-old played a limited number of games for Benfica before making the move to England and has shown glimpses of his world-class qualities during his time at Stamford Bridge.
On the international stage, Fernandez was a key part of Lionel Scaloni's 2022 World Cup-winning squad - even if it was Lionel Messi who deservedly dominated the headlines during and after the tournament in Qatar. Even prior to that, though, United were reportedly keeping a close eye on the midfielder while he was at River Plate. However, it's understood that the club were waiting for incoming manager Erik ten Hag to give the green light before signing him. The saving grace is that his arrival may have stunted the development of Kobbie Mainoo, which could have been catastrophic given the player he has gone on to become.
2 Josko Gvardiol
A Premier League champion at Manchester City
Manchester United's local rivals Manchester City are the Premier League club that took a calculated punt on the highly-rated defender. Despite his tender age, Josko Gvardiol starred for Croatia during the 2022 World Cup and rightfully earned praise and, in turn, his big-money move.
The 22-year-old was a domineering asset for his previous club, RB Leipzig, playing 87 games during his stint in Germany. After a shaky start to life in England, he is now taking his game to new heights now that he's under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola. Given United's issues with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia's fitness, a left-back of this quality going begging is one they may live to regret.
3 Julian Alvarez
The forward became Manchester City's club-record sale
Despite playing second-fiddle to Erling Haaland during his Manchester City stint, Alvarez is widely regarded as one of the world's best young forwards and deservedly so. He caught the eye of various top clubs while playing for River Plate in his native Argentina - after notching 85 goal contributions in 122 games, and transferred much of that form over to the Etihad.
Had United acted on Rangnick's advice, though, Alvarez might have been playing for the red side of Manchester instead. Rangnick was reportedly furious when the club failed to secure the Argentine's signature before he signed for City. After 36 goals in 103 appearances for the Sky Blues, he completed an £81 million switch to Atletico Madrid, where he has so far managed two goals in eight La Liga games at the time of writing.
4 Luis Diaz
Star player at Liverpool
Luis Diaz's spell at Liverpool has been largely positive, albeit marred slightly by inconsistency at times. In his brightest moments, though, the livewire forward is truly electrifying. He also knows a thing or two about haunting the Red Devils, as he has managed five goal contributions in six clashes, with a double coming during the Merseysider's 3-0 victory at Old Trafford in September 2024
Before becoming Jurgen Klopp's marquee winter signing in 2022, the dynamic Colombia international was one of FC Porto's driving forces, scoring 41 goals and registering 19 assists for the Portuguese heavyweights - so it's no wonder that Rangnick had his eye on him. United's loss has undoubtedly been Liverpool's gain.
5 Erling Haaland
Breaking records for fun with Man City
Of all the missed opportunities, this one will sting the most for the Old Trafford faithful. Erling Haaland has been nothing short of extraordinary for Manchester City following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund. United legend Wayne Rooney even described him as the world's best footballer now that the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo era has come to an end.
The goal-machine is well on course to become the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goals, and his links to Old Trafford go even further back than Rangnick's desperate plea. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that the domineering forward was a man that the former United boss had told the club to sign long before he took the job in 2018.
6 Konrad Laimer
Now at Bayern Munich
As the 2021-22 season came to a close, it was patently clear that reinforcements in midfield were desperately needed at Old Trafford - hence why Konrad Laimer was eyed. At that time, the versatile midfielder had also caught the attention of Bayern Munich, who he eventually signed for, but Manchester United could have saved themselves money and hassle if they elected to sign him back when Rangnick first recommended the Austrian to the club's higher-ups.
At Bayern, Laimer is a solid rotational option who would likely settle in well at Old Trafford, much like his former teammate Marcel Sabitzer did during his loan spell. Rangnick did at least get the chance to coach the midfielder, as he is a key part of the Austrian national team.
7 Alvaro Morata
Spanish striker captain his country to Euro 2024 success
Alvaro Morata, 32, is somewhat of a footballing journeyman, having plied his trade for Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea - though he is still yet to establish himself as one of Europe's elite strikers. The Spaniard has scored goals wherever he's played during his career, although profligacy in some of the biggest fixtures has prevented him from establishing a reputation as a truly world-class forward.
The Spaniard was initially linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams in 2017, but United opted for Romelu Lukaku instead. In the years since Ragnick's recommendation, the pressing-forward led Spain to European glory and sealed a move back to Italy, this time to multi-time Champions League winners, AC Milan.
8 Christopher Nkunku
Now at Chelsea
Now on the books at Chelsea, Christopher Nkunku could have become Manchester United's first signings of the Ten Hag era after being one of RB Leipzig's most notable stars. The impressive Frenchman had a plethora of big-name clubs vying for his signature as he spearheaded Leipzig to a top-four finish in back-to-back seasons between 2021 and 2023, scoring a respectable total of 70 goals during his time at the club.
Injuries have plagued the forward ever since he arrived at Stamford Bridge, but whenever he has played, he's tended to impress. He is currently giving Enzo Maresca a headache as he tries to fight for the number nine spot with teammate Nicolas Jackson.
Related
Christopher Nkunku scored his third Premier League goal of the season as Chelsea beat Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
9 Dusan Vlahovic
Imposing centre-forward Dusan Vlahovic, who was tipped to become a star on football's biggest stages, could have been a Manchester United player had the club been keen to listen more to Rangnick's transfer advice. Currently plying his trade in Turin for Juventus, the 24-year-old has become one of Serie A's despite struggling to show the same potency as he did during his time at Fiorentina.
Once on Arsenal's radar, there is every chance that fans will get to see Vlahovic in the Premier League sooner rather than later. However, as coaches at Old Trafford are currently trying to get the most out of both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, it's unlikely we'll see him wearing the famous red shirt of United.
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