When Ralf Rangnick left his role as Manchester United interim boss in May 2022, derided and mocked after a difficult spell in charge, there were serious questions marks over what was next for the experienced German coach.

Rangnick was about to turn 64 and although he had been extremely successful in both his homeland and Austria - where Rangnick was widely credited as the architect of the Red Bull footballing empire - the chastening experience at Old Trafford raised questions about his relevance in the modern game.

Yet, even the most optimistic of Rangnick's supporters could perhaps not have imagined what would would subsequently unfold.

Two years later, Rangnick is back in his homeland, preparing to lead Austria at Euro 2024, having recently rejected one of the biggest jobs in club football at Bayern Munich. 

In the process, he has not only rejuvenated his own coaching career, but also the fortunes of Austria's national team.

Ralf Rangnick has had a major impact on Austria since taking over as manager in June 2022

There are now high hopes on the streets of Vienna, Salzburg and further afield that despite a daunting group alongside France, the Netherlands and Poland, Austria can cause a few upsets this summer.

Rangnick has inspired a previously disillusioned public to fall in love with their football team again after his side eased to qualification where they almost topped a group including Belgium.

Heading into their Euro 2024 opener against France on Monday night, Austria are unbeaten in seven having scored 16 goals in that time - and the mood around the team could not be more positive.

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Under Rangnick's predecessor Franco Foda - who left his role after failing to guide Austria to the 2022 World Cup - there was a frustration that the national team were underperforming.

A major criticism of Foda was the dour style of football his side played, which contributed to Austria playing in front of sparse crowds.

Even captain David Alaba once insisted the squad was 'fed up' with Foda's ways.

Using his Red Bull roots, Rangnick has imposed an attacking approach, giving his players the freedom to express themselves.

This has excited fans, something that was enhanced by Rangnick's choice to move games away from the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, an outdated venue that was often less than half full for Austria matches.

By playing around the country, attendances have soared, while fans have become more connected to the national team. 

The Austrian public has similarly taken to the traditional Red Bull 4-2-2-2 system where the aim is to press high and play 'vertical football'.

Despite the reduced training time Rangnick has as an international manager, the experience of several squad members within the Red Bull club network has been a major boost in implementing his preferred style.

For example, the likes of Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer have spent time at RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg.

This familiarity has helped to garner an impressive team spirit and culture, a factor that was a major reason behind Bayern's recent interest in Rangnick.

His positive and supportive outlook has transformed the attitude among Austria's stars when they turn up on international duty, making it an enjoyable experience again. 

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'He was the best thing that could have happened to Austrian football,' key man Christoph Baumgartner reflected earlier this year.

'And I’m not saying that because I want to suck up, I really mean it. He simply brings an incredible amount of expertise and invests an enormous amount of time and energy. 

'That’s extremely good for us, as we are a nation that is quick to rest on our laurels.

'He is someone who definitely won’t allow that and pushes us to the limit every day. That will be one of the keys to a successful European Championship.'

A further example of their impressive team spirit is the fact that Alaba will miss the tournament through injury, yet he has still travelled with the group as a non-playing captain. 

Meanwhile, the Austrian squad has also seen an increased presence from the country's domestic league, with another criticism of Foda being his failure to provide homegrown youngsters with opportunities.

Their squad at Euro 2020 saw just two players from the Austrian Bundesliga, but that has risen to seven this time around.

Whatever happens over the next few weeks, Rangnick has helped to inspire a nation and generate positivity among a country that has failed to make any sort of mark on a major tournament since their third place finish at the 1954 World Cup.

And the former United boss promised he would not compromise on his preferred style whoever their opponents are in Germany this summer. 

'If the team says anything, it’s this: "Please let us attack",' he said. 'The boys want us to let them off the leash.

'We are aware that our group is not easy at all. On the other hand, we have faith in ourselves and believe we can qualify for the next round. 

'My expectations of the players is that we are a united team both on and off the pitch and we want to be the best defensive team.

'If we can get these two things right on the pitch, we’ll be doing quite well, and on the other hand, we are quite good at scoring goals and creating chances.

'We all have the ambition and the imagination to do well. To do that, we have to get through the toughest group. If we manage that, we don’t have to be afraid of anyone.'