Why Ralf Rangnick was at Manchester United Youth League fixture vs Bayern Munich

Ralf Rangnick was an interested observer at the FC Bayern Campus as he watched Manchester United's opening UEFA Youth League fixture against Bayern Munich.

Rangnick was with his partner and also his former United assistant coach and analyst Ewan Sharp and the trio will be attending the Champions League tie between the two clubs at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

The 65-year-old never worked for Bayern Munich but he is a well-known and popular figure in German football and his schedule as Austria national team manager allows him time to attend games now. His visit to take in United Under-19s' fixture with Bayern was personal, with no Austrian youngsters on show for either side.

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Rangnick was United's interim manager between November 2021 and May 2022 but endured a difficult time at Old Trafford and a planned consultancy role after his spell in the dugout ended was canned when Erik ten Hag was appointed.

He has kept abreast of developments at United, however, and watched their 3-1 defeat to Brighton at the weekend on television. He also recently spoke to Victor Lindelof when Sweden faced Austria in Euro 2024 qualifying earlier this month.

Rangnick was appointed to the role at United by the club's football director John Murtough, who was also present for the game at FC Bayern Campus, sitting alongside the club's former right-back Danny Simpson.