Rangnick is the new manager of Manchester United
Manchester United have confirmed Ralf Rangnick as their new manager, taking charge of the club until the end of the season.
The German agreed personal terms with United last week. But an agreement had to be reached with Lokomotiv Moscow, where he had been head of sports development. That hurdle now cleared, Rangnick will take charge of United until a permanent manager is appointed in the summer.
The 63-year-old built an impressive reputation as a coach in his native Germany in a career that saw him have spells with Stuttgart, Hannover, Hoffenheim, Schalke and RB Leipzig.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
Manchester United announce Ralf Rangnick as the clubs interim manager on a six month contract pic.twitter.com/iQgcg3CZuq
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 29, 2021
His playing style, which places emphasis on pressing the opposition, is widely cited as being a major influence on a wave of other German coaches – including Jurgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.
As well as coaching Leipzig, he was also in charge of shaping the playing philosophy for all the clubs within the Red Bull group.
He will remain with United beyond the end of the season when he is expected to move into a technical role within the club’s management structure.
United had been linked with a raft of names for the interim role since dismissing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the defeat to Watford.
Welcome to Manchester United, Ralf Rangnick 🔴🇩🇪#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 29, 2021
Upon being appointed, Rangnick 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.”
Last time Ralf Rangnick managed at Old Trafford, Manchester United dismantled his Schalke side to reach the 2011 Champions League final.
The Red Devils are now counting on the German to help turn things around… pic.twitter.com/r8OmH9yNdW
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 29, 2021
At one stage, it appeared Mauricio Pochettino was willing to leave Paris Saint-Germain to take the role immediately. The Argentine is thought to be keen on a return to England and could be appointed as United’s next permanent manager when Rangnick moves into a new role at the end of the season.
Erik Ten Hag, who has masterminded the resurgence of Ajax as a force in European football, is also thought to be admired at Old Trafford. Some reports have cited that the decision-makers at Old Trafford prefer the Dutchman than a move for the Tottenham manager.
