Carrick: Rangnick did not pick United team

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Michael Carrick has insisted Ralf Rangnick had no influence on Manchester United's line-up in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

Former United full-back Gary Neville tweeted before kick-off at Stamford Bridge on Sunday that "incoming manager" Rangnick must have had a hand in the starting XI in west London.

But after Jadon Sancho's second goal in the week earned United a point against the Premier League leaders who equalised through a Jorginho penalty, Carrick rejected out of hand any influence from the man expected to be hired as interim manager at Old Trafford.

Asked if the German had played a part in Cristiano Ronaldo taking a seat on the bench, caretaker boss Carrick, inset, replied: "No, that's not the case."

United's 4-3-3 formation certainly harboured many of the classic Rangnick traits, but Carrick insisted the setup was mainly aimed at cutting off the supply lines to Chelsea's deep midfielders.

Neville had earlier tweeted, "I've a feeling the incoming manager has picked that team as it's a huge departure from midweek", but Carrick was quick to give that assertion short shrift. Rangnick is expected to take up a short-term role as United boss to succeed the sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with a two-year consultancy role from next summer then on the cards.

Parisstgermainbossmauricio Pochettino remains the front-runner as Solskjaer's long-term successor.

On the chances of Rangnick taking the United helm in the coming days, Carrick replied: "As of now I haven't got any more news for you really.

"I was purely focused on the game, so there was enough in my head to prepare the boys for this.

"So after the game now I'm sure I'll be updated and aware and see what happens in the next few days.

"But as of now I don't have anything else to give you.”