Manchester United confirm the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager | Manchester United

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Ralf Rangnick has been confirmed as interim manager of Manchester United until the end of the season after striking a deal with Lokomotiv Moscow to release the German from his contract.

Rangnick has been working since July as Head of Sport and Development at Lokomotiv under a three-year deal. He has agreed to take the job in the US on a short-term basis with the condition that he be retained as an advisor until 2024 and will have the power to influence decisions.

Michael Carrick took charge of United provisionally for the second time in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, and Rangnick is set to be in the dugout on Thursday’s visit from Arsenal – provided he obtains his work permit. Carrick will continue to oversee the team until Rangnick receives a permit. United, who sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer just over a week ago, will return home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

“I am excited to join Manchester United and focus on making this season a successful one for the club,” Rangnick told the club’s website. “The team is full of talent and they have a great balance of youth and experience. All my efforts over the next six months will be focused on helping these players achieve their potential, individually and most importantly as a team.

“Beyond that, I look forward to supporting the club’s long-term goals on an advisory basis.”

The 63-year-old is the former director of football at RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig but also has extensive coaching experience, including with Leipzig, Schalke and Hoffenheim. He has not worked as a coach since holding Al Hosn in Leipzig in the 2018-19 season while the club waited for Julian Nagelsmann.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauricio Pochettino is still interested in taking over United in the summer and will not be put off by Rangnick’s presence in an advisory role.

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“Ralph is one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football,” said United Soccer Director John Murtaugh. “He was our number one candidate for the interim manager position, reflecting the invaluable leadership and technical skills he would bring from nearly four decades of management and coaching experience.”

Rangnick was impressed in an interview with Murtaugh, Technical Director Darren Fletcher and Executive Vice President Ed Woodward when he outlined his vision for the style of play he intends to implement. He may bring in a small number of staff but the current coaches will continue to be with him.

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