MATCH REPORT: Page 48
RANGERS were last night given a clear warning by their top managerial target, Derek McInness, that he has not been impressed by their handling of the drawn-out search for a new boss.
The clear inference was that if Rangers still see the Aberdeen supremo as their leading choice they must move now or risk losing him.
For while McInness was critical of the Ibrox managerial saga after Rangers’ 2-1 win over his side yesterday, he refused to say whether he was standing by last week’s claim he was staying put at Pittodrie. That could finally lead to an approach being made in the coming days.
It is approaching six weeks since Pedro Caixinha was axed and the protracted recruitment process and subsequent rumours have frustrated the former Ibrox midfielder. And he expressed his annoyance after Gers caretaker Graeme Murty masterminded yesterday’s win.
“I made my position clear a few weeks ago and this has been ongoing,” said the 46-year-old (right). “It just feels as if it has dragged on and on.
“I’m not happy with how things have played out.
“I know the Press have a job to do and must be getting fed some sort of stuff, so there has been plenty of encouragement to run stories. “Everybody seems to be in the know and every other day there is someone giving an opinion on my future and what Rangers are doing. It’s not been as straightforward as it should have been the last few weeks.”
But pressed on whether he remained just as committed to the Dons as he did last week when he “totally endorsed” Aberdeen chairman Stewert Milne’s claim his manager was going nowhere, McInnes left room for doubt.
“It’s wrong for me to make a comment on speculation or assumption,” he replied. “I’m manager of Aberdeen and my job is to get a winning team on the pitch.” MANCHESTER United believe Paul Pogba will today escape an extended ban for applauding after being sent off against Arsenal in Saturday’s thriller.
United are relying on the fact that he was walking away from referee Andre Marriner, while making the gesture, to save the midfielder from further Football Association action.
FA disciplinary chiefs will today study Marriner’s report before deciding whether an additional charge is necessary on top of the usual three-game ban for a straight red that keeps him out of Sunday’s Manchester derby.
United will argue that it was not sarcastic nor meant in protest at Marriner’s decision but rather aimed in appreciation of the away fans.
United manager Jose Mourinho has already suggested that Pogba was disappointed at how his France team-mate Laurent Koscielny seemed to lobby for the dismissal.