Manchester United have historically been a force to be reckoned with in European football, but it’s safe to say that’s not been the case so much in recent times.
The most recent run of poor results — including a 5-0 defeat to Leicester and a 4-1 loss to Watford — saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked as manager last month.
Now, with the Solskjaer era over, United look to the future. Although they don’t have a permanent manager in place, Ralf Rangnick has taken the helm for the time being.
With a more competent manager in place, could United see a “Tuchel effect” that helped Chelsea in 2021?
What Is “The Tuchel Effect”?
Chelsea struggled under Frank Lampard just as United ended up doing under Solskjaer. After Lampard’s removal from the position, expert tactician Thomas Tuchel took charge and led Chelsea to their second Champions League win.
Chelsea also won the Super Cup under Tuchel. Chelsea’s new manager changed their tactics and created an environment that runs on transparency, respect, and teamwork. This new direction is what took Chelsea to the top.
From the outside, the fans can see the stark difference between Chelsea under Lampard and Tuchel. This visible change and rise to the top could, at least for the purposes of this article, be referred to as “The Tuchel Effect” and is what United fans hope will happen at Old Trafford.
Goodbye Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United waves to the fans at full-time after the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on October 06, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Throughout 2021, a similar situation happened at Manchester United. Solskjaer proved to the world that he wasn’t capable of keeping United on top.
Towards the end of his stay at Old Trafford, the Red Devils faced an embarrassing string of losses to the likes of Leicester and Watford as alluded to earlier.
These are games that an elite team like United should have been able to win with their eyes closed. This led to the removal of Solskjaer and the end of an era.
Hello Ralf Rangnick
Now United have said goodbye to Solskjaer, they look to Rangnick to lead in the interim before they appoint a permanent manager.
The German only holds the managing position until the end of the season, when he will pivot into a consultancy role for the club. Though he has even suggested he may decide to appoint himself!
So far, he has got off to a great start and allowed Manchester United to perform at their highest level for some time.
Although the goal count isn’t extraordinarily high, they’re scoring goals and winning games again, and that’s the most important part. Manchester United’s return to top form has seen them become favourites in many of their matches under the new boss, and punters have been taking advantage of Kwiff’s welcome bonus, as well as predicting who the next manager will be.
3 Changes Made By Rangnick
Ronaldo Pressing?!
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford in 2021, and the fans were high in anticipation of the goal scorer’s return.
Unfortunately, most people didn’t know whether Ronaldo would fit into Rangnick’s style of play, but the German manager has at least attempted to get him pressing from the front — something he is not known for.
Possession Returns To OId Trafford
Historically, Manchester United are known for their high possession stats during games. However, this element had faltered slightly under previous management.
Fortunately for United fans, under Rangnick the Red Devils are back on form in this regard, especially at Old Trafford.
Freedom In Attack
English duo Markus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have been given more flexibility to roam within the final third.
This freedom allows them to swap flanks and draw defenders out of position. Both these players can dominate anywhere across the front line and Rangnick as taken advantage of this.
Times have been difficult for Manchester United but with Solskjaer gone and a new chapter ahead, they are starting to see a return to form. And there is always the prospect of the Red Devils benefitting from the Tuchel effect.
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