Ex-Man United Boss Rangnick Rides E-Bike During Austria World Cup Qualifier

Ralf Rangnick, the 67-year-old Austrian national football team manager and former Manchester United interim manager, was seen riding an e-bike across the pitch during a World Cup qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina due to ongoing recovery from emergency ankle surgery. After complications and a subsequent infection following the initial surgery in the summer, Rangnick has been limiting his movement to aid recovery, using the e-bike to quickly reach the coaching area at half-time. Austria secured a 2-1 victory in the match, moving closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a strong unbeaten run under Rangnick’s leadership. The German coach, who took over Austria's national team after leaving Manchester United in 2022, has been praised for his tactical guidance, including leading Austria to the last-16 at Euro 2024. His unconventional use of an e-bike during the match drew surprise but was a practical solution given the stadium's layout and his physical condition. Austria, trailing Bosnia on goal difference but with a game in hand, has four remaining qualification matches, aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.