November 29, (THEWILL) – Ralf Rangnick has been named interim manager of Manchester United until the end of the season, according to the Premier League club.
The 63-year-old will work as a consultant for two years. The German manager said: “I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season for the club.”
“THE squad is full of talent and has a great balance of youth and experience. All my efforts for the next six months will be on helping these players fulfil their potential, both individually and, most importantly, as a team.
“Beyond that, I look forward to supporting the club’s longer-term goals on a consultancy basis.”
However, until Rangnick receives his work visa, Michael Carrick will continue in charge on a caretaker basis.
John Murtough, Manchester United’s Football Director, said: “Ralf is one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football. He was our number one candidate for interim manager, reflecting the invaluable leadership and technical skills he will bring from almost four decades of experience in management and coaching.
“Everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him during the season ahead, and then for a further two years in his advisory role.”
United are still rumoured to be interested in hiring Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, as their next full-time manager when he becomes available at the end of the current season.
Rangnick has been the manager of RB Leipzig on two occasions, as well as the club’s Director of Football and at its Austrian sister club RB Salzburg.
Rangnick is credited with inventing the current football style of pressing from the front, which has influenced fellow German managers Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralph Hasenhuttl, Jurgen Klopp and others.
While United is unlikely to win the Premier League this season, they are still in the running for the Champions League and Rangnick could still have a say in all the competitions for which they are challenging.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
