New Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick reportedly implemented a “wheel of misfortune” at his previous club RB Leipzig to punish misbehaving players
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Ralf Rangnick confirmed as Manchester United interim manager
Manchester United have appointed Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager, subject to receiving a work permit.
Fans are hoping to see the German introduce his famous gegenpressing philosophy at Old Trafford… but that’s not his only plan.
Rangnick reportedly had a “wheel of misfortune” for disobeying players at his previous club RB Leipzig, instead of handing out fines.
Those who broke the rules would be subject to one of 11 punishments, many of which could humiliate United’s biggest stars.
“Fines rarely bring anything,” said Rangnick in 2018. “It hurts the players more when they have less time.”
What is your favourite “wheel of misfortune” punishment? Let us know in the comments below!
According to The Sun, Rangnick’s former assistant and current Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch came up with the idea of the wheel.
The American was inspired by “Wheel of Fortune” – an iconic US gameshow that’s been on TV since 1975.
Bradley Walsh fans will remember the British version of the show, which ran on ITV between 1988 and 2001.
There are 12 segments on Rangnick’s dreaded wheel, with players always aiming for “Get Lucky” – a get out a jail free card.
Punishments include pumping up balls, spending four hours training an academy team, cutting the grass and filling water bottles.
Those are some of the more lenient penalties, however. Some players are made to wear a tutu, while others are forced to be stadium tour guides.
Other punishments include working in the club shop, serving food in the team canteen, helping the kitman and loading the team bus.
The final penalty is buying up to 60 members of staff a small gift. Old Trafford’s non-playing employees will be looking forward to that one.
Rangnick’s work permit won’t be approved before United’s Premier League game against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Thursday.
First-team coach Michael Carrick will lead the team again after picking up a point at leaders Chelsea in their last outing.
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Rangnick’s appointment has been praised by many, including Jurgen Klopp. “Unfortunately a good coach is coming to England, that’s how it is,” said the Liverpool manager.
“Ralf is obviously a really experienced manager. He most famously built two clubs from nowhere to proper threats and forces in Germany with Hoffenheim and Leipzig.
“He did a lot of different jobs in football but always his first concern was being a coach and a manager. That’s what his best skill is.
“United will be organised on the pitch, we should realise that, and that’s obviously not good news for other teams.”
Graham Souness, however, has questioned Rangnick’s CV. “I don’t get it,” said the former Liverpool player and manager.
“The man Rangnick’s CV is not one you would go ‘wow’ and doesn’t jump out at you. He’s not been super successful. I think he’s won one trophy.
“His talent would appear, and we will find out, to go into a football club and develop the structure and improve in a five to ten year period.
“That’s not what Man United need right now. Man Utd need it instantly. They need someone to make an impact now.”
Rangnick’s Wheel of Misfortune
- Pump up and clean the balls
- Train an academy team
- Stadium tour guide
- Get Lucky
- Cut the grass
- Wear a tutu
- Fill the water bottles
- Club shop assistant
- Serve food and clean the canteen
- Help the kitman
- Load the team bus
- Buy gifts for the staff
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