It seems very ironic that Ralf Rangnick will soon be taking charge of Manchester United on an interim role when the 63-year-old could have been sitting inside the Chelsea dugout for at least the first half of 2021.
Before Marina Granovskaia offered the role to Thomas Tuchel on an 18-month deal, Rangnick was sounded out on an interim basis to take over from Frank Lampard in January. But Rangnick declined, Tuchel arrived and the rest is history.
Even though many Chelsea fans will praise the German's rejection, his arrival in Manchester should concern those in west London given what it could mean for United.
Ragnick's influence over some of the brightest coaching minds currently in the Premier League cannot be doubted, given he is seen as the 'godfather' of pressing in German football and a shrewd figure who has proven capable of overseeing the vision and structure of European clubs.
Ragnick's modern style of play, ideals behind the scenes and beliefs feel the anthesis of Manchester United over the last seven years, but that is what makes it a dangerous move for rivals.
Here is why Chelsea fans should be concerned.
Manchester United become a coherent team
Sure it sounds like a very simplistic, even snide take but given the comical nature of Manchester United's on-field character in the final weeks of Ole Gunnar Solskjær's reign, I don't think the accusation of tactical incompetence is unfair.
Rangnick, as Tuchel did for Chelsea, will likely instil a better structure to United's style in and out of possession.
The glaring gaps between midfield and defence will likely be closed, the passive set-piece approach rectified and a more identifiable way of attacking presented.
For all of the jokes, the squad Rangnick is taking over is extremely talented, with some game-changing players. Just making them purely better than the sum of their parts will go some way to fixing the damage caused.
Modernising United's style and recruitment
Given Rangnick has agreed to a six-month deal until the end of May, there is a likelihood he will still remain in Manchester beyond next summer, reportedly offered a consultancy role for two years.
This is where Rangnick's strength in club building could be most felt, being able to shape a clearer vision to United's strategy in the transfer market.
Buying players to fit into a style of play or the next coach that remains logical, rather than just jumping for the glamour of the next superstar. For all of United's talent, there has been a sense under Ed Woodward it has been purely about assembling a "Galacticos" level squad, completely dismissing how those players will fit into a shape on the pitch.
With United's financial muscle and attraction, the club could start repeating the success of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea which makes them very dangerous.
Building from the academy
One of Manchester United's respected principles has been to maintain a presence of academy talent in the first team squad.
Even if some of that young talent has been sidelined for the glamour of major transfers, it still remains and Rangnick in the short term will likely see the potential of Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford as players to build around.
Whilst in the long-term utilising the academy to save money in the transfer market, again ensuring there is a coherent plan in playing style and quality running through all levels of the club.
Rather than the muddled thinking that has led United to the German in the first place.
How will Rangnick's Manchester United's arrival impact Chelsea? Follow our CareFreeChelsea writer Daniel Childs on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section.
