5 former Manchester United players Ralf Rangnick would have wanted in his current squad

Ralf Rangnick would surely love some of the former Manchester United legends in his current squad.
Ralf Rangnick would surely love some of the former Manchester United legends in his current squad.

Ralf Rangnick has been appointed as Manchester United's interim manager until the end of the season. The German will take charge of proceedings from Michael Carrick, who was the caretaker manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking.

Manchester United relieved Solskjaer after their 4-1 Premier League defeat at Watford on November 20. Carrick guided the Premier League giants to two wins and a draw across competitions, setting the stage for Rangnick to take over.

Rangnick is widely known for being an influential figure to present coaches like Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann. The German tactician is expected to stamp his authority and style of play at Old Trafford.

Considering Manchester United's struggles this campaign, it is clear that some players are not up to the mark. However, there are some legendary players in the club's rich history whom Rangnick would have loved to have wanted in the current Manchester Unied squad.

Without further ado, let's take a look at five such players:


#5 Nemanja Vidic

MLS All-Star Game - Manchester United vs MLS All-Stars
MLS All-Star Game - Manchester United vs MLS All-Stars

Nemanja Vidic was one of the best defenders of his era, and played a key role for Manchester United. The Serb was a towering presence in defence, and formed a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the back.

During his tenure at United, Vidic made over 200 Premier League appearances. He helped the club win five league titles, among other honours. The centre-back was renowned for his fearlessness and composure while being defensively efficient.

Rangnick would need a courageous and aggressive defender like Vidic in his current squad. The two-time Premier League Player of the Season, at his peak, would have been an asset to any manager.


#4 Park Ji-Sung

Manchester United vs Hull City - Premier League
Manchester United vs Hull City - Premier League

One of the surprising names on this list, Park Ji-Sung fits the bill perfectly for the tactical setup of Rangnick. Widely regarded as one of the most successful Asian players, Ji-Sung was blessed with extreme stamina and terrific energy. That made him an engine in the centre of the pitch.

Ji-Sung grew into prominence under Sir Alex Ferguson, proving himself to be one of the most versatile players in the English top flight. The South Korean played 133 league games, helping The Red Devils win four Premier League titles.

For Rangnick, a player of Ji-Sung's ability could have been a huge advantage in midfield. His work rate made him perfect for a high pressing game, which suits the German.

#3 Ryan Giggs

Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United - Premier League
Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United - Premier League

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, under Rangnick's tutelage, would have been an ideal player. The Welshman cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in United's rich history during his 24-year tenure.

A prominent figure in the esteemed Class of '92, Giggs racked up a mammoth tally of 963 appearances for United, scoring 164 goals and providing 251 assists. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary midfielder helped the club win the Premier League title a record 13 times.

Giggs was an influential and pivotal player for Manchester United, renowned for his versatility. The relentless nature of the Welshman on the flanks is exactly how Rangnick wants his players to operate.

Giggs was a midfielder, winger and leader - all rolled into one - which would have made him an important player under Rangnick.


#2 Roy Keane

Manchester United's Roy Keane would have been the undisputed leader under Rangnick.
Manchester United's Roy Keane would have been the undisputed leader under Rangnick.

Any manager would have loved someone like Roy Keane to lead their side, and Ralf Rangnick is no exception. The former Manchester United captain was revered for his aggression, courage and no-nonsense attitude on the pitch.

In addition to his strong personality, Keane was a born leader and a terrific defensive midfielder. After arriving at the club in 1993, the Irishman etched his name in Premier League history, helping his club win seven league titles.

With Manchester United's current captain Harry Maguire struggling to make an impact, Keane would have been the perfect player for Rangnick. However, Keane's penchant for controversy would have made him a double-edged sword for Rangnick.


#1 Paul Scholes

Manchester United vs Bolton Wanderers - Premier League
Manchester United vs Bolton Wanderers - Premier League

Paul Scholes was another one-club player like Giggs, who donned Manchester United's famous red kit for twenty years. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, the midfielder helped The Red Devils conquer England and Europe, amassing a whopping 27 trophies in his illustrious career.

In over 700 appearances across competitions for the club, Scholes racked up 152 goals and 74 assists. Blessed with supreme accuracy, he was spot-on with his passes and long-range shots. The Englishman was revered by his peers for his incredible impact from midfield.

Scholes' loyalty, determination and hard work would have made Rangnick fall in love with the player, which was exactly the case with Sir Alex Ferguson.

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Edited by Bhargav