It’s Ralf to the rescue at Red Devils
MANCHESTER United has appointed Ralf Rangnick as interim manager until the end of the season following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a disastrous run of results.
The 63-year-old will arrive at Old Trafford from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow, where he was manager of sports and development, becoming just the sixth German manager to coach in the Premier League.
At the end of the season, Rangnick, whose appointment is subject to work visa requirements, will take on a consultancy role at the 20-times English champion for a further two years. He will take over from first-team coach Michael
Carrick, who has been in caretaker charge for two games since Solskjaer was dismissed just over a week ago following a 4-1 defeat at lowly Watford.
“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,” United football director John Murtough said.
The former RB Leipzig boss is focused on turning around the fortunes of the club, which is floundering in eighth spot.
“The squad is full of talent and has a great balance of youth and experience,” he said.
“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.”
Rangnick could take charge for the first time against Arsenal on Thursday if his work permit issues are sorted out.
Carrick – who has overseen a Champions League win over Villarreal and a draw at Chelsea, where he dropped Cristiano Ronaldo – remains in caretaker charge until Rangnick’s work visa is finalised.
Club bosses ran out of patience with Solskjaer despite keeping faith with the Norwegian
after humiliating home defeats to rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
The former striker was in charge at Old Trafford for nearly three years.