Ralf Rangnick’s influence on Bradley Carnell and a near-miss at Manchester United

Former St. Louis City SC head coach Bradley Carnell has revealed a fascinating near-miss in his career, a potential opportunity to work with Manchester United under the tutelage of his mentor, Ralf Rangnick.

Carnell’s connection with Rangnick dates back to his playing days at VFB Stuttgart in Germany. Rangnick’s influence on Carnell’s development was profound, shaping his understanding of the game and his approach to coaching.

The US-based coach discussed the significant impact of the legendary football figure on his career. The South African-born coach credits Rangnick’s mentorship and the Red Bull football model for shaping his tactical approach and player development philosophy.

“Playing under Ralf Rangnick meant he supported and developed young players,” Carnell told FARPost.

“Being very young in Germany, knowing that I would get a chance to play was a significant boost. He worked really hard, and that was important to me.”

The connection between Carnell and Rangnick extended beyond their time in Germany. As Rangnick became a prominent figure in the Red Bull football network, the two maintained a strong relationship.

“We stayed in touch, and he’s kind of the godfather of the Red Bull soccer game globally. It was great to be in the same building as him occasionally and exchange ideas,” Carnell, who worked for New York Red Bulls, said.

Carnell’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the Red Bull model, which emphasises high-intensity pressing, aggressive attacking, and a focus on youth development. “He’s developed a lot of coaches within the game model, and I’m fortunate to have been included in that school of coaching,” he added.

A MISSED MANCHESTER UNITED OPPORTUNITY

In 2022, when Rangnick was appointed interim Manchester United coach, Carnell’s name was linked to a role within the club. He confirmed that the potential move to Man Utd was a real possibility.

“Those were very true, very connected links,” Carnell said. “All his coaches at that time were tied up in long-standing contracts, and I was just joining Saint Louis, so I had just signed the contract as well. I wasn’t technically working in that first few months of 2022, so from that point of view, it would have been a very possible scenario.”

However, due to contractual obligations and timing, the move didn’t materialise. Instead, Rangnick opted for a different coaching staff, including Ewan Sharp and Chris Armas.

Despite the missed opportunity, Carnell remains grateful for his association with Rangnick and the impact it has had on his coaching career. “It’s always good to know that your work is valued and people regard you in high esteem,” he said.

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