Austria forward defends Rangnick’s United record

Ralf Rangnick is having the last laugh at Manchester United after guiding Austria into the round of 16 at Euro 2024, forward Andreas Weimann has said.

Rangnick oversaw a disastrous spell at Old Trafford, winning just 11 of his 29 games in charge after being appointed caretaker manager in December 2021.

But the 65-year-old has won plaudits at the European Championship after helping Austria finish top of Group D ahead of France and Netherlands.

It has set up a round-of-16 clash with Turkey in Leipzig on Tuesday and Bristol City forward Weimann said it shows Rangnick is in a far better situation than United after they finished eighth in the Premier League last season.

“In Manchester, it didn’t work that well for our coach,” Weimann said at a news conference on Friday.

“But I think it’s looking worse for Man United now than it is for the coach. So that’s why even in England, people appreciate him more and more.”

Austria’s performances in the group stages — particularly dominant wins over Poland and Netherlands — have led to suggestions that Rangnick’s side could be tournament dark horses.

They could face Netherlands again in the quarterfinals before a potential semifinal against England in Dortmund and after mocking United, Weimann couldn’t resist a dig at Gareth Southgate and his players after some uninspiring displays in qualifying from Group C.

“They [the English media] only really care about England’s result,” Weimann added.

“They’re not very happy how England have been playing. So yeah, they are happy that they could only play us in the semi-finals if they do well.”