Ralf Rangnick attempted to build a superteam at Man Utd, six huge names 'refused' by the board

Ralf Rangnick has revealed he wanted to sign six massive names for Manchester United, but the board refused to sanction any transfers in January.

Rangnick was United interim manager for the second half of last season following the club's decision to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United's fortunes didn't turn around, with the Red Devils ending the season in sixth and their lowest-ever Premier League points tally.

The 64-year-old was initially set to move into a consultancy role to aid permanent manager Erik ten Hag. He would end up leaving to take charge of the Austria national team weeks after the campaign ended.

Rangnick wasn't given any signings in January, despite United lacking in a number of areas. In an interview with German publication BILD, Rangnick revealed he had a number of names in mind to strengthen United across the pitch.

"There was no such [transfer] dossier, and it was never wanted by the club," he admitted. "But even without such a script, it was clear to everyone that there was a need in many areas."

Among the names listed were RB Leipzig duo Josep Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku, as well as forward options in Alvaro Morata, Dusan Vlahovic, Luis Diaz and Erling Haaland.

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Gvardiol and Nkunku have been linked with moves to Chelsea in recent months, while Vlahovic, Diaz and Haaland have joined Juventus, Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.

Morata was linked with United again in the summer transfer window but he opted to stay at Atletico Madrid.

Rangnick added: "That’s why we were already discussing players like Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig. Those were names that were realistic.

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"We also talked about Alvaro Morata, Luis Diaz, Dusan Vlahovic and, as I said, Erling Haaland when they were still on the market.

"But the club decided at that time to rebuild the team under the new coach."

United ended up backing ten Hag with the signings of Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Antony in the summer. Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer arrived on loan in January, as did backup goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Topics: Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United, Erling Haaland, Christopher Nkunku, Dusan Vlahovic, Luis Diaz

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

@DanMarland_