Ralf Rangnick slams Manchester United’s £750m transfer spree as wasteful and says their Premier League form has worsened since he left Old Trafford

Ralf Rangnick, the former interim manager of Manchester United, has voiced his harsh assessment of the club’s progress since his departure in 2022.

Despite the club’s recent 3-0 win over Atletico Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final, which has put them in a strong position for the final, Rangnick remains critical of their overall trajectory.

European Success Amid Domestic Struggles

While Manchester United’s success on the European stage stands in stark contrast to their domestic woes, their poor performance in the Premier League cannot be ignored.

The team is currently languishing in 14th place and is on course for one of their worst-ever seasons in the Premier League.

Despite their Europa League victory, their struggles at home have cast a shadow over their achievements in Europe.

Financial Outlay and Managerial Challenges

Ruben Amorim, United’s current manager, faces the challenge of managing a squad built by his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, who spent heavily on new players.

Since Rangnick’s departure, United has spent over £600 million on new signings, a figure Rangnick pointed out in his critical review of the club’s spending.

He even suggested that the actual figure could be closer to £750 million.

In an interview with Canal + Austria, Rangnick said, “In the end, a few basic things need to be changed.

“Since then, 700 or maybe £750 million has been spent on new players, and in the table, they are even significantly worse than back then.”

He also noted that a Europa League victory could still salvage their season, as it would secure a place in the Champions League.

Tactical Struggles and Squad Inconsistencies

Rangnick also raised concerns about the club’s tactical setup.

United’s current system, which relies on a back three or five, contrasts with the squad’s construction, which was designed for a four-back system.

This has led to inconsistencies, especially in Premier League matches against teams United is expected to beat.

The Long-Term Impact of Over-Spending

Rangnick’s concerns about Manchester United’s financial strategy have proven to be prescient.

Under Ten Hag, the club spent significant amounts on players like Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, and Casemiro, totaling £218 million.

Despite these investments, the club’s financial situation remains dire, with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe admitting that cuts are necessary to avoid bankruptcy.

He revealed that United still owes money on players like Sancho, Casemiro, and Antony, and some of these signings are “overpaid” or not performing well enough for the club.

Ratcliffe also commented, “This summer, we will ‘buy’ Antony, ‘buy’ Sancho, ‘buy’ Casemiro, ‘buy’ Martinez, ‘buy’ Hojlund, ‘buy’ Onana, and they’re all about £17m each.”

This statement highlights the club’s ongoing financial burden and the necessity to manage their spending more effectively.

The Financial Constraints and Amorim’s Challenges

These financial constraints have made it difficult for Amorim to build a squad that meets his specific tactical needs.

He was only able to make one first-team signing in January, bringing in Patrick Dorgu, a young defender from Leece for £29.4 million.

Despite limited resources, Dorgu has made a promising start, playing a role in United’s recent victory over Bilbao.

Europa League Success: A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the challenges, United’s 3-0 win against Atletico Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final has provided a glimmer of hope.

Casemiro’s headers and a brace from Bruno Fernandes have put them in a favorable position to reach the final.

A win in the Europa League would secure a Champions League spot and bring in an estimated £80 million, which could help alleviate some of the club’s financial strain.

Looking Ahead to the Second Leg

Amorim remains cautious despite the strong first-leg performance, emphasizing the importance of staying focused for the return leg at Old Trafford.

“Nobody expected this result, but it’s not done,” he said.

“The same result can happen at Old Trafford, and we need to be prepared.”

With no away goals rule in place, anything can change, and Amorim has urged his players to concentrate on the first 20 minutes of the second leg, a period in which United struggled during the first match.

A Season on the Brink

As United faces the critical second leg against Atletico Bilbao, their season remains on a knife-edge.

While a Europa League victory could salvage their campaign, the underlying issues at the club, including financial mismanagement, tactical mismatches, and underperforming signings, make the future uncertain.