Man Utd still have 'fundamental problems not sorted out' says Rangnick

Ralf Rangnick has delivered a scathing assessment of United’s leadership and transfer strategy, warning Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS regime that fundamental problems remain unaddressed at Old Trafford.

The former Manchester United interim manager and current Austria boss, who managed United during the second half of the 2021/22 season and famously called for “open heart surgery” to fix deep-rooted issues, has said the club’s situation has only worsened despite a huge outlay on new players.

Speaking on Canal+, Rangnick criticised the lack of decisive leadership and clear decision-makers at the club, highlighting how United have spent over £750 million on signings since his departure but have regressed on the pitch.

“A few fundamental things needed to be changed [when I was there]. And since then £750 million has been spent on new players. And in the table they are even significantly worse than back then,” he said, adding that only winning the Europa League could salvage the current season.

Rangnick singled out the disconnect between the squad and manager Ruben Amorim’s tactics, noting that United’s squad was built for a four-man defence, yet Amorim has tried to implement a system with three or five at the back.

“They have signed a coach in the middle of the season who plays with three or five backs, and the squad was built based on a four-back system. This is what you see when you see them play, especially in Premier League games against the opponents against which Manchester United normally has to win,” he observed.

He also issued a warning to Ratcliffe, suggesting that the club’s transfer approach has lacked strategic vision and that high-profile, big-money signings have not addressed the real issues.

Rangnick’s comments echo the recent admission from Ratcliffe himself, who conceded United have overpaid for players who have failed to deliver.

Rangnick’s blunt message is clear: without strong decision-makers and a coherent long-term strategy, Manchester United risk further decline, regardless of how much money is spent in the transfer market.