Ralf Rangnick spotted watching Manchester United youth game against Bayern Munich

Ralf Rangnick was in attendance for Manchester United's opening game of their UEFA Youth League campaign against Bayern Munich.

The former United interim manager, who spent six months in charge at Old Trafford between November 2021 and May 2022, guided the club to their worst season in the Premier League era.

He was set to take up a consultancy role at the end of the 2021/22 campaign but it was mutually agreed that Rangnick would focus solely on his role as the manager of Austria's national team.

Now, over a year after leaving United, the German coach may have bumped into some former colleagues after he watched the club's opening UEFA Youth League fixture at the impressive FC Bayern Campus.

As pointed out by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, a number of key figures were in attendance, including CEO Richard Arnold, director of football John Murtough and academy director Nick Cox.

Rangnick, meanwhile, was joined by former Manchester United assistant coach and analyst Ewan Sharp.

At #MUFC’s Youth League opener against Bayern Munich. Former interim manager Ralf Rangnick among those in attendance pic.twitter.com/LsaMI1EhrT

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) September 20, 2023

Rangnick's impromptu visit to watch United Under-19s' in action on Wednesday was strictly personal, according to the Manchester Evening News, with no Austrian youngsters taking part.

The 65-year-old will also attend this evening's much-anticipated Champions League Group F clash between United and Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, say reports.

Here's how social media reacted to his appearance in Munich.

One fan said: "United would do well to restore Rangnick's consultancy role," while another commented: "Bring Ralf Back, put him in the role he was initially supposed to play and that is a good start for a rebuild."

A third wrote: "They need to make amends with Ralf and give him that talent role immediately."

A fourth added: "Ralf. Get him back as sporting director."

United would suffer a 2-0 defeat in their opening UEFA Youth League clash of the season, as goals from Robert Ramsak and Michael Scott sealed victory for the dominant Bayern Munich.

Thoughts on the appearance of Rangnick at Wednesday's game? Let us know in the comments.