Manchester United have been thrust into another managerial search following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, and in a significant twist, the club appears to be finally acting on the counsel of former boss Ralf Rangnick.
The New Power Broker at Old Trafford
The responsibility for finding Amorim's permanent successor has reportedly been handed to Christopher Vivell, the club's technical director. Vivell, who joined United initially as an interim director of recruitment in the summer of 2024 before taking the role permanently in February 2025, is now set for a far more prominent role in both manager and player recruitment.
This move has strong ties to Rangnick. The German 'professor' previously head-hunted Vivell for a role at United during his own interim tenure, only to depart the club himself shortly after in 2022. Vivell and Rangnick share a professional history from their time together at Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, where Rangnick's influence on football structure was profound.
Rangnick's Seal of Approval for Glasner
Beyond the influence through Vivell, Rangnick's direct recommendations are also coming to the fore. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has emerged as a leading candidate for the Old Trafford hot seat, with his contract at Selhurst Park due to expire at the end of the current campaign.
Rangnick is a known admirer of his compatriot, having publicly praised him in 2023. "For me, Oliver Glasner is currently one of the most exciting coaches - not only in Germany, but in all of Europe. An absolute top coach," Rangnick stated.
Glasner has done little to quell the speculation linking him to United. When recently asked about his future and the constant rumours, he remained notably non-committal to Palace, stating his focus was on daily work with his players while acknowledging the stories with a neutral and relaxed attitude.
Navigating an Immediate Crisis
The search for a new boss comes after the sacking of Ruben Amorim earlier this week, which has left the club in a familiar state of flux. Former midfielder Darren Fletcher has taken temporary charge for the immediate fixture, a midweek trip to face Burnley, but the United hierarchy are under pressure to secure a permanent appointment swiftly.
The potential appointment of Glasner, facilitated by Rangnick's endorsement and Vivell's position, represents a clear strategic shift. It suggests United may finally be looking to implement the kind of coherent, forward-thinking football structure that Rangnick advocated for during his often-turbulent spell at the club.
Whether this long-delayed heeding of his advice will lead to success on the pitch remains to be seen, but for now, Ralf Rangnick's shadow looms large over Manchester United's latest new beginning.
