Ralf Rangnick's Former Assistant Hints At How Man United Transfers Could Play Out

A different approach to recruitment is expected to happen under Manchester United’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

Ahead of Rangnick’s official debut as Manchester United boss, speculations about his involvement in the club’s potential transfer plans have already started. Reports claimed that according to his agreement with the club, the German will have the final say on some transfer decisions Manchester United makes during his tenure. International Business Times could not independently verify this information.

While it has yet to be confirmed whether or not Rangnick will really be involved in the club’s scouting, his former assistant Rodrigo Costa revealed how the gegenpressing master likes to be hands-on in each and every transfer he considers.

"He [Rangnick] came to Brazil and discovered Luiz Gustavo at CRB [Clube de Regatas Brasil], in Alagoas,” Costa recently told ESPN. “He left Germany to see a player who was in the second division, so you can see how demanding he is. He sends the scouts, but the final word is his because he likes to see the players in person. He has an incredible eye."

Costa did not identify any specific type of player Rangnick is likely to bring into Manchester United. However, he hinted at what kind of players the 63-year-old “loves.”

According to Costa, he is certain that Rangnick likes to scout “Brazilians and South Americans.”

“Ralf excels more for his tactics and application in training and games than for his talent, but he loves Brazilians and South Americans,” he confessed. “There were always some at the clubs he worked for."

As things stand, nothing is concrete yet regarding Manchester United’s top transfer target. However, an earlier report from Bild’s head of football and journalist Christian Falk said that Rangnick has already earmarked Chelsea striker Timo Werner as a signing for the summer transfer window.

The report said that Rangnick, who is “close” to Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, wants to reach out to the Blues and “discuss” the potential transfer of Werner to Manchester United at the end of the current season.

A Telegraph report, however, said that before bringing in any additional players to Old Trafford, Rangnick will first be working on player exits in the January transfer window.

Among the players being mentioned as possible departees are Manchester United’s second-choice goalkeeper Dean Henderson and midfielder Donny van de Beek, the report said.

Manchester United won its last game against Arsenal under the leadership of caretaker manager Michael Carrick.

Rangnick will finally make his debut as Manchester United coach when the club takes on Crystal Palace Sunday.