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Manchester United could have snapped up four unbelievable signings before they secured big-money moves elsewhere if only they had listened to former interim boss Ralf Rangnick. The German was appointed as a short-term replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following his sacking in November 2021 and was expected to stay on as a consultant for a further two years once they had found a suitable candidate to take the reins from him at the end of 2021-2022 campaign.
However, shortly after Erik ten Hag was brought in as the new first-team manager, Rangnick informed the club that he would not be staying on as a consultant due to the demands of his new position as Austria’s head coach. Although he wouldn’t fulfil his role with the Red Devils, the 65-year-old did leave the board with plenty of advice and recommendations during his time at Old Trafford.
According to the Independent, Ragnick tipped the club off about Christopher Nkunku, Josko Gvardiol, Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez but despite heavy links to all four players none of them could be brought into the fold. Nkunku and Fernandez opted to join Chelsea instead while Alvarez and Gvardiol moved to the other side of Manchester.
United could have especially done with the likes of Nkunku and Alvarez given their recent striker woes. Last season, United fans were subjected to frustrating displays from Wout Wergorst and Anthony Martial down the middle.
Although Marcus Rashford did produce some solid returns for the Red Devils there was a decided lack of goal-scoring prowess in Ten Hag’s side. The Dutchman will be hoping that can be rectified with the addition of his new £64million signing Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.
But at just 20 years old there are question marks surrounding whether the Dane is ready to spearhead United’s attack. Such questions haven’t been able to be answered with Hojlund out injured already.
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United’s new No 9 has been sidelined by a back injury but recently began training with the first team and is in contention to play against Arsenal on Sunday. “We had a good training week and on Saturday we have the final training,” said Ten Hag. “He’s doing well so he will be available.
“I think he’s ready to start. For every player, there is a big spotlight. At Manchester United you have to perform, in every position, for every player.”
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