Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United: Tactical Analysis and the Challenges Ahead
As Ralf Rangnick stepped into the interim manager role at Manchester United, speculation about the club’s future leadership quickly overshadowed the team’s ongoing struggles. While the search for a permanent manager intensified, with names like Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino circulating, United’s real test remained on the pitch: fighting for a Champions League spot amid inconsistent performances and mounting pressure from rising contenders such as Arsenal. This article delves deep into Rangnick’s tactical approach at United, evaluates its effectiveness, and outlines the crucial issues awaiting the next manager.
Evolution of United’s Tactics Under Rangnick
Rangnick, renowned for his influence on high-intensity pressing football, initially attempted to overhaul Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s established 4-2-3-1 formation, opting instead for a 4-2-2-2 system inspired by his Red Bull coaching lineage. However, this tactical shift highlighted major squad imbalances—United lacked dynamic wide play in this setup, becoming too predictable and vulnerable to defensive transitions. The change briefly benefited midfielders like Fred and Scott McTominay as ball winners but exposed deficiencies, particularly in covering transitions and defensive positioning.
After scoring just six goals in five matches with the 4-2-2-2, Rangnick reverted to the familiar 4-2-3-1. This adjustment provided a more stable structure and opened opportunities for key players, especially Jadon Sancho, to flourish.
Key Players and Their Roles in the 4-2-3-1 Setup
The switch back to 4-2-3-1 revitalized United’s attacking options, most notably seeing Jadon Sancho become increasingly influential on the left. In recent Premier League matches, Sancho tallied two goals and three assists—a clear sign he’s adapting well after his move from Borussia Dortmund. Opposite Sancho, Anthony Elanga emerged as a lively, direct threat, earning valuable minutes as an energetic right winger. Marcus Rashford, though experienced, found himself in rotation across the frontline.
Central to United’s attacking play are Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo. While both crave being the team’s focal point, their natural tendencies often see them operate in similar spaces, leading to clashes that limit each other’s impact. Fernandes’s output notably declined—from 0.87 goals plus assists per 90 minutes in 2020-21 to 0.58 the following season—much of this driven by positional adjustments and Ronaldo’s return.
Behind the attack, Fred and Scott McTominay have provided consistency and defensive resilience in midfield, defying critics by delivering steady performances even as calls continued for big-ticket signings in that area. Paul Pogba, with his passing range, can offer creative impetus, yet United typically appear more solid with two defensive-minded midfielders shielding the defense.
Defensively, Diogo Dalot seized the starting right-back spot under Rangnick’s guidance, bringing improved attacking output. On the left, both Alex Telles and Luke Shaw have rotated, though Shaw’s drop in form from previous seasons remains a concern. The centre-back department features Harry Maguire, often criticized for errors and adventurous positioning, alongside Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane—each offering differing strengths in possession and defense. Between the posts, David De Gea has delivered standout performances, especially in shot-stopping and penalty saves, compensating for the frailty of the back line.
Attacking Patterns: Strengths and Limitations
United’s attacking transitions under Solskjaer were previously defined by swift counters, utilizing pace from Rashford and Shaw and creativity from Pogba and Fernandes. The arrival of Ronaldo changed the team’s attacking structure, leading to identity issues in the final third. Rangnick sought to instill a new approach, emphasizing wide play—particularly through Sancho and Elanga—while encouraging overlapping runs from fullbacks such as Dalot, who leads United’s defenders in progressive passes, crosses, and forward runs.
A key challenge remains balancing direct, risk-taking passes with patient build-up. While United possess several players capable of incisive long balls—Lindelof and McTominay included—overreliance on Hollywood passes has led to a lack of coherence. The team has struggled to link play in advanced positions, with no player receiving more than nine progressive passes per 90 minutes, indicating a disconnect between midfield distribution and attacking movement. By comparison, top teams like Liverpool regularly see multiple forwards frequently on the receiving end of progressive passes.
The result is an attacking unit full of technical talent and individual flair, but without a collective, synchronized pattern. Too often, players attempt to play the hero, causing confusion and missed opportunities across the front line.
Defensive Philosophy and Ongoing Issues
Rangnick’s coaching reputation is built on structured pressing and collective off-the-ball work. United’s defensive intensity and clean sheet tally did improve somewhat, yet significant vulnerabilities lingered. One recurring problem has been Harry Maguire’s tendency to leave his position to press or intercept, disrupting defensive organization and exposing gaps.
Out of possession, United have alternated between 4-2-2-2, 4-2-3-1, and 4-1-4-1 shapes, showing adaptability based on opposition and game context. In the middle third, the team often settles into a 4-1-4-1, with one midfielder (usually Fred) shielding the defense. When defending deep, United drop into double pivots, aiming for extra stability.
In pressing phases, the side oscillates between 4-2-3-1 and a 4-4-2 variant. McTominay and other midfielders are tasked as pressing triggers, stepping out to disrupt when the ball is played into opponents with their backs to goal. However, a high defensive line coupled with a lack of pace in central defense—and De Gea’s preference to stay rooted to his line—can make United susceptible to counterattacks.
To mitigate this, Rangnick has occasionally employed a more withdrawn back line, allowing controlled space between midfield and defense. While this can prevent being exposed over the top, it also encourages opposition play between the lines. This adjustment, however, has not fully solved the recurring positional discipline issues at the heart of United’s defense.
Areas for Improvement and Future Considerations
Despite fleeting moments of consistency, United have kept only a modest number of clean sheets under Rangnick, not matching the expectations at a club of their stature. Defensive cohesion, especially between the center backs and fullbacks, requires significant improvement. Additionally, the attacking patterns need refining to bridge the gap between sterile possession and overambitious risk-taking.
There is a valid argument for United to experiment further with a 3-4-1-2 formation to shore up defensive weaknesses, even if it means repositioning key attacking talents. Strengthening the midfield shield and ensuring positional discipline at the back would be critical steps for the next manager.
Conclusion
Ralf Rangnick’s interim period at Manchester United has been characterized by tactical adjustments, moments of promise, and persistent problems—particularly in forging a balanced playing style and defensive solidity. As the team continues to chase a Champions League berth, and with managerial uncertainty lingering, improvement in both defensive organization and attacking coherence will be essential.
For United to recapture former glories, integrating a clearer strategic identity—backed by smart recruitment and tactical discipline—must be a priority for Rangnick’s successor. The groundwork for high-intensity, structured football is there, but unlocking greater consistency across every phase of play remains United’s biggest challenge.
