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16th Mar 2022

Didi Hamann says Ralf Rangnick’s playing style is ‘anti Man United’

Luke Jennings

Ralf Rangnick

‘He stands for everything Man United doesn’t stand for.’

Didi Hamann criticised Ralf Rangnick’s playing style following Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

The ex-Liverpool midfielder was critical of Man United players’ below-par display following their Champions League last-16 exit.

Ralf Rangnick

Didi Hamann questions Ralf Rangnick.

Hamann labelled the current interim boss Rangnick’s philosophy as ‘anti-Man United’ and suggested that the team’s fans are not pleased with the high-pressing style of football.

The former Newcastle United midfielder was also baffled by the nature of Rangnick’s contract. The German is working as the club’s interim manager before moving into a consultant role at the end of the season.

Ralf Rangnick Didi hamann

“A lot of the players didn’t perform to what they were capable of,” Hamann said on RTÉ’s coverage of the Champions League.

“The football he (Rangnick) plays is anti-Man United. It’s exactly what Man United don’t wanna see, the fans don’t wanna see – what the club stands for.

“I’d be interested (to find out) who appointed him in the first place and who gave him that contract for two years as an advisor.

“Because surely when a new manager comes in, you’ve got to get back to the old Man United DNA.”

Hamann: Man United ‘need to return to free-flowing football.’

The Champions League winner wants to see Man United return to ‘free-flowing football’ next season.

Hamann questioned the credentials of the interim boss, saying that Rangnick ‘stands for everything Man United doesn’t stand for.’

The former Germany midfielder also criticised the club’s spending in recent seasons. Since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, Man United have spent over £1b on transfers.

Ralf Rangnick

“Play free-flowing football, yes it costs money,” Hamann said.

“But as we’ve seen money doesn’t seem to be an issue because they are spending a lot of money on players who are not up to it.

“He’s not come from Real Madrid. I don’t get why’d you offer him an advisory role for two years. When he stands for everything Man United doesn’t stand for.”

 

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