Former Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has once again taken aim at his old club, delivering a scathing critique of their transfer policy in recent years. The German tactician believes that the club’s recruitment strategy lacks direction and has done more harm than good, especially in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Manchester United endured a dismal 2024/2025 season under the management of Ruben Amorim. Despite high expectations, the Red Devils failed to find consistency and shockingly finished in 15th place in the Premier League table—an outcome that sent waves of disappointment throughout Old Trafford.
The team not only ended the season without silverware, but their erratic performances sparked heavy criticism from fans, pundits, and former figures associated with the club. One of the most vocal critics has been Rangnick, who has openly expressed concern over the club’s directionless squad building.
Rangnick: United Repeating the Same Mistakes Year After Year
Rangnick didn’t hold back when discussing United’s transfer dealings. He believes the club has failed to learn from its repeated past mistakes, especially in identifying and developing a clear playing identity.
Speaking to Sport, Rangnick emphasized that United continues to make poor decisions in the market, often opting for short-term fixes instead of building for sustainable success.
“If I were the owner or sporting director, I would focus exclusively on recruiting young talent,” Rangnick stated. “It just makes sense—no matter how you look at it. Young players offer long-term potential and value.”
According to Rangnick, United’s habit of signing older players at high costs has become a pattern that continues to hold the club back. He stressed the importance of having a clear long-term plan rather than spending extravagantly with no defined strategy.
A Counter-Productive Transfer Policy
Rangnick was especially critical of United’s tendency to buy aging stars on expensive contracts. He described such deals as financial sinkholes, offering little to no value in the long run.
“Does it make sense to spend £30, £40, or £50 million on players aged 28 or 30?” Rangnick asked rhetorically. “Let’s do the math.”
He went on to break down the total cost of such transfers.
“You sign a 30-year-old on a five-year deal. That’s an average wage of around £15 million per year, multiplied by five—£75 million. Add the transfer fee, agent fees, and other expenses, and you’re looking at a deal worth £120 to £150 million. What’s the point?”
In Rangnick’s view, these types of deals are not only unsustainable but also damaging to the club’s future planning. Older players, he argued, are unlikely to deliver consistent value throughout the length of their contracts and often decline before the deal expires.
Man United Urged to Be Smarter in the Market
Despite their recent failures, Manchester United remains active in the transfer market as they aim to rebuild ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign. The club has reportedly shown interest in several players, including Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, and strikers Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.
But for Rangnick, such signings mean little if they are not part of a coherent and long-term plan. He warned United against falling into the same trap—splashing cash on big names without considering the sustainability or fit within the team’s tactical framework.
“You’ll never get that money back,” he continued. “If you’re unlucky, the player won’t even be on the pitch by the end of their contract. The only thing you’re buying is the hope of short-term success, and even that is a gamble.”
Rangnick concluded with a clear message:
“I would never approve such deals. They’re not investments—they’re bets. And when you keep betting without strategy, you eventually lose.”
A Wake-Up Call for the Red Devils
Rаlf Rаngnісk’ѕ соmmеntѕ аrе a ѕtаrk rеmіndеr оf the deep-rooted issues wіthіn Mаnсhеѕtеr United’s rесruіtmеnt and рlаnnіng. His words reflect the frustration of many fans who have watched the club spend vast sums without meaningful progress. As United prepares for another rebuilding phase, Rangnick’s call for smarter, youth-focused, and strategically sound investments may be exactly what the club needs to finally break the cycle of mediocrity.
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