The history between Ralf Rangnick and Ralph Hasenhuttl as Southampton boss is linked with the Manchester United job

Ralph Hasenhuttl is the latest manager to be linked with the Manchester United job, and a move to Old Trafford would see him link up with former colleague Ralf Rangnick.

The pair were together at RB Leipzig nearly six years ago, with Rangnick director of football at the German side and Hasenhuttl in the dugout.

7

Rangnick had to persuade the current Southampton boss to takeover at the Red Bull Arena and did so over dinner in the town of Lofer in the Austrian Alps.

Both were seen discussing tactics using salt-and-pepper shakers, with Rangnick impressed with how Hasenhuttl had taken Ingolstadt from a division three side to the Bundesliga.

It was also the development of young players and the fact the Austrian also played attacking relentless football, similar to that of the German counter press 'gegenpressing'.

Both went on to take the German top flight by storm in 2016-17 season, and propelled Leipzig to second behind run away leaders Bayern Munich.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita was a standout performer in the engine room, and helped to supply Chelsea's Timo Werner, who netted 21 league goals that campaign.

Hasenhuttl learned a lot from Rangnick during their days in Germany. It was revealed players had to have their blood tests on arrival to training which would ultimately decide how tired their muscles were.

Most read in talkSPORT

Inter 4-3 Barca (7-6) LIVE: Italians reach final after record-breaking 13-goal thriller

EFL club release 11 players including ex-Man United wonderkid days after end of season

EFL club post MJ-esque statement with return of manager who got back-to-back promotions

Club with over £500m to burn take first step towards record-breaking Bruno Fernandes bid

7

Rangnick would also lace the training ground with inspirational quotes, something what Hassenhutl does now at Southampton's Staplewood training ground.

“At Leipzig, we did a lot of things that other clubs didn’t do.

“We turned every stone around and tried everything because it was the only chance for us at that time. We were a promoted team and came second in the end.

“This is one way to go. As a manager it’s very important to learn things, to try them. Does it work or is it too much? Do you need this in the future? If not, leave it away.

7

7

“But always be open-minded to new things. This is what I try here (at Southampton). We are always listening to new things," Hasenhuttl said of Rangnick's methods at Leipzig.

Their second season together didn't reach the same heights, but along came the development of players such as Dayot Upamecano, now of Bayern Munich and Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate.

In May 2018, Hasenhuttl left the German side with Julian Nagelsmann taking over. The Saints boss believed he had to leave to stand on his own two feet and bring out more of his attacking based approach.

“I had the feeling in the end that I had to go my own way and develop my managing style even more without being too, I don’t want to say one-dimensional, but I had the feeling there were more parts of the game I wanted to develop.

7

“We had a home game against Bayern Munich when we won 2-1 and afterwards there was speaking (within the club) about there not being enough RB philosophy in that game.

“I couldn’t agree, so it was important for me to step out and go my own way and to learn other things also.

“But I was always happy to be there for this time in my managing career because I learned a lot there and it was an important step in my managing career.”

Despite their relationship not ending as well as both would have wanted, they do keep in touch, and even more so now that both are in the Premier League.

7

7

“I’ve known him for six or seven years, he has developed in those years, it’s obvious. He did a great job at Leipzig. What he’s achieved at Southampton is great, just great", Rangnick previously said.

Hasenhuttl has previously been linked with becoming the new boss at Old Trafford, and should he make the move to Old Trafford in the summer, both will be keen to resurrect their great working relationship and help fire Manchester United to glory.