‘Getting the recognition he deserves’, ‘Pep’s effect’ – Man City fans react as former United boss stunned by ace’s transformation

Ralf Rangnick has said that he has been surprised to see how brilliant Manuel Akanji has been since joining Manchester City compared to his time at Borussia Dortmund.

At £15m from Borussia Dortmund, the deal for Akanji initially seemed needless. City had a wealth of centre-backs already at the club and it was hard to see how he would fit into the team ahead of the likes of Aymeric Laporte.

While the former Basel defender’s signing raised eyebrows, he has managed to cement his place as a starter in the City side.

The 27-year-old has proven why Pep Guardiola worked to bring him to the Etihad. Back in October, Akanji took on the role of right-back for the win over Southampton.

Fast forward to April and Guardiola knew he could trust Akanji in their biggest match so far. Before Wednesday, the 27-year-old had not played at left back but his stellar display against Bayern Munich on the left-hand side made the boss’ mind up.

Former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has admitted that he has been taken aback by how Akanji has fit like a glove at Manchester City this season.

“You can hardly recognise him compared to his time at Borussia Dortmund. [He] performs with a naturalness, as if he had always played at this level in a team like this”, he said, as relayed by Blick.

“[This happens when Pep Guardiola] is so convinced of a player, has fallen in love with a player, works and talks with him so much, develops him. It was like with Joshua Kimmich, who Pep fell in love with in Munich.”

These Ralf Rangnick’comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

@stckportIniesta: “Akanji getting the recognition he deservess”

@oladaps: “Glad to see people appreciating Manuel now”

@MwanjovuLeon: “Tbh when we signed Akanji, I thought he’d just be a back up defender.”

@ErlingEuphoria: “Akanji for 15 mill was biggest steal of the century”

@DestinyFredric4: “That’s Pep Guardiola for you!.”

@ElmaraPrince: “Pep’s effect.”

@MxC_0722: “This is the same as saying Pep makes players better. He changes their profile and they become world class if they weren’t already. Pep is the goat and other managers can see it..”

@Razour1: “Pep saw the potential, gave him some guidance and the form is just ridiculous, he’s so comfortable ball carrying, progressing play, he’s like Stones but doesn’t get injured as often, again only time will tell how he fares in the seasons to come…”

Akanji is going on to become a fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium and as he continues to impress, his critics are likely to become his biggest fans.