Ralf Rangnick inherits a Manchester United team riddled with plenty of issues both on and off the field. The Red Devils currently languish at eighth place on the league table. In terms of points, they are closer to last-placed Newcastle United than Premier League leaders Chelsea. The team’s starting XI is also in a fluctuating state. With these in mind, there are a few major and urgent contract decisions Rangnick has to make.
Ralf Rangnick has been appointed as the interim manager for only 6 months and after this period, he will remain at the club as a consultant for an additional 2 years. But, his role as a consultant has been vaguely stated. It is not clear yet, as to what exactly the German will be tasked with, and to what extent he will have a say in transfers and the signing of a new manager.
However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the German is likely to be involved in all sporting decisions. His involvement at Old Trafford will be comprehensive, from player purchases to contract extensions, including the appointment of a permanent manager at the end of the season.
Additionally, there are some important and very urgent contract decisions that the club want Rangnick to be involved in as soon as he joins the Red Devils. United want his ideas and advice on some key players’ contracts that are set to expire soon.
Ralf Rangnick will have ‘big influence’ on the decision for Man United next manager. He’s gonna work on many areas of the club – he’ll bring in one member of his current staff. 🔴 #MUFC
🎥🇩🇪 His story, top signings for Red Bull group, ideas and more: https://t.co/ETNqoXw867
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 29, 2021
The ex-Hoffenheim manager will certainly be spending the next 6 months in close contact with the players. This will undoubtedly give the German the needed clarity on which of these players want to remain at the club and which of them do not.
Similarly, if he is involved with the process of picking his successor, he could also provide useful inputs on which players would be surplus to the requirements or a misfit in the new system. But there are 3 players whose situation is more urgent and crucial than the rest, as stated by Romano. The three players specifically singled out are:
Paul Pogba:
Paul Pogba has been a part of the Red Devils since joining in 2016. He has, however, never quite fulfilled the potential he demonstrated at Juventus. The Frenchman has been linked with a move away from Manchester on numerous occasions, with Real Madrid, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and even Manchester City being mentioned as potential destinations. Pogba’s contract with United runs out in June 2022.
The Mirror reports that Rangnick’s appointment could tempt the Frenchman to extend his stay at Manchester United. Pogba is, however, one of the highest earners at the club, a net salary of £15 million per annum is arguably disproportionate to the World Cup winner’s contribution and performances at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils also have to consider the fact that Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek are competing for very similar roles in the starting XI. An analysis is important as to whether Pogba does have a place in the squad over the long run.
Jesse Lingard:
Manchester United recalled Jesse Lingard after a successful loan spell with the Hammers. Lingard, however, has been struggling for game-time at Old Trafford. This season, he has only played 83 minutes in the Premier League and has started every game on the bench.
Manchester United were interested in extending the Englishman’s contract. But the deal collapsed as the player feels aggrieved and also the fact that the base salary offered was lower than his current earnings, as per reports. And now, West Ham United are said to be ready to pay £10 million to sign Lingard in January or secure his services for free in 6 months.
Rangnick must determine whether the attacking midfielder does have a future at the club. If the German manager does believe that Lingard could play an important role in his set-up, it would be crucial to reach an agreement that suits both parties.
However, if Lingard fails to establish himself in the starting XI over the next one month under the new manager, it might benefit all parties to release the Englishman. The focus then would have to be on attracting higher bids and maximising his transfer fee.
Luke Shaw:
After a highly impressive 2020-21 season and a good run at the Euros, Shaw has struggled at United this season. Injuries, again, have played a part, as well as a greater defensive responsibility in a worse set-up. Fans have also brought back Rangnick’s comments on Shaw from a year ago. In September 2020, Rangnick quoted:
“They could do with a left-back. I know they have Luke Shaw but I’m not so sure if he’s still on the same kind of level you need for a club like Manchester United.”
🗣 "They could do with a left-back, I know they have Luke Shaw but I'm not so sure if he's still on the same kind of level you need for a club like Manchester United."
Ralf Rangnick speaking about Man United's defence in September 2020 pic.twitter.com/40IcBSnm4p
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 25, 2021
Shaw’s contract runs through until 2023. There were also reports on a possible extension at the end of last season. If Rangnick does not deem the Englishman good enough for his team, United will need to invest in a new left-back. Brazilian Alex Telles has failed to establish himself in England and has been reduced to a backup role, but again, there might be changes in the pecking order under a new manager.
Rangnick does not have a straightforward job, either as a manager or in a directory role. There are other players like Edinson Cavani whose contracts expire soon. Players like Van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial, on the other hand, have struggled to make a consistent impression. As such, there is little clarity on who should serve as United’s long-term manager.
Read More:
- Ralf Rangnick Appointed as Interim Manager | What Does the German Bring to Manchester United?
- De Gea Rated Highest as Rashford Disappoints: Here’s How United Players Fared Against Chelsea
- Could Mauricio Pochettino be the Revitalist That United Have Been Craving For?
The likes of contrasting profiles including Ernesto Valverde and Pochettino have been linked with a move. This means that hasty signings and sales could prove to be detrimental in the long run. And after spending hefty amounts in the 2021 summer transfer window, it is unlikely that the Glazers would be willing to make major squad upheavals again. It would be wise for United to tread forward with cautious steps.
What do you think counts as other urgent contract decisions Rangnick needs to make during his time at Old Trafford? Give your comments below.
