It’s another fresh start at Manchester United, and this time it’s a name that might not be as well known as some of the other seasoned managers in the Premier League, but it’s a man that has had a big influence on the beautiful game.

Ralf Rangnick is one of those rare managers that didn’t have a notable playing career, but was quickly noted for his strategic talents and became a player-coach from a young age. When he made the switch to manager he was nicknamed the professor for his understanding of the tactical game, and he’s now regarded by some as the ‘godfather’ of German football after developing the famous gegenpressing tactic made famous by the likes of Jurgen Klopp.

This tactic of trying to immediately win back possession after losing the ball, rather than dropping back to reshape, has become one of the keys to Jurgen Klopp’s success at Liverpool. But Klopp himself would credit Rangrick with developing this tactic in the first place.

Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann would also give much credit to Rangrick, so you can see the level of influence he has had on the game, especially in Germany.

We can expect to see a different Manchester United in the next few weeks, with more intensity and pressing. Rangrick was quoted as saying that there is no such thing as ‘a little but of pressing’, you’re either pressing or you’re not. This sets the expectation for what we will see when United play Crystal Palace at the weekend, in Rangick’s first match in charge.

It will also be interesting to see the man of the moment Ronaldo after his 800th career goal, becoming the first player in history to reach the milestone. We’ll see if he can get amongst the goals again and get Rangrick off to a winning start. He surely commented on Ronaldo’s great fitness level after the game vs arsenal. #mmlove