Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager.
In an official statement on Monday, the club said: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as Interim Manager until the end of the season, subject to work visa requirements.
“Following this period, Ralf and the club have agreed that he will continue in a consultancy role for a further two years.”
John Murtough, Manchester United 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.”
Ralf 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.”
Michael Carrick will remain in charge of the first team until Ralf’s work visa is finalised.
The club said it wishes to place on record its thanks to Lokomotiv Moscow for their co-operation in the process of bringing Ralf to Manchester United.
It seems likely that Carrick will be in charge of the team for Thursday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford, meaning Rangnick could be in the dugout for the following game.
That match comes at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday and is a 2pm kick-off. The game won’t be shown live on TV in the UK.