Manchester United has a new boss following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking last week. 63-year-old Ralf Rangnick will take over until June when the season concludes.
The German manager will then become a club consultant on a contract running until 2024. Solskjaer’s assistant, Michael Carrick, took charge of United’s two previous official games and will be in the Red Devils’ dugout on Thursday for the Arsenal clash if Rangnick’s work permit isn’t processed in time.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax’s Erik Ten Hag remain the top two favorites for the permanent manager role at Old Trafford, with Rangnick expected to have his say in the club’s final choice.
United reached an agreement with Lokomotiv Moscow last week for the release of Rangnick, who was manager of sports and development at the Russian club. Rangnick previously worked for RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg as sporting director, with brief stints as head coach in Leipzig during the 2015-16 and 2018-19 seasons.
Rangnick caught the attention of the big names in German football when he got Ulm promoted to the Bundesliga in 1999. He then worked for the likes of VfB Stuttgart, Schalke 04, and Hannover.
Rangnick: ‘I am focused on making this a successful season’
Man. United’s official website published Rangnick’s first words as interim manager at Old Trafford.
“I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season for the club,” Rangnick said. “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 fulfill their potential, both individually and, most importantly, as a team,” he added.
John Murtough, United’s football director, underlined Rangnick’s vast experience in the game and his vision as key elements for being chosen.
“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,” Murtough said.
Rangnick will be joined at United by a small number of his own staff, with those previously under Solskjaer remaining as well.
Pochettino is the bookies’ favorite to become Manchester United’s permanent boss in July at +150. In spite of the hype around Erik Ten Hag, the Dutchman sits at +1300. Former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde stands at +300, with Michael Carrick at +400. Brendan Rodgers, the Leicester City boss, is better placed than Ten Hag at +1100.