Ralf Rangnick has been named interim head coach of Manchester United until the end of the season.
Welcome to Manchester United, Ralf Rangnick 🔴🇩🇪#MUFC — Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 29, 2021
Rangnick has agreed to a six-month term in the job as well as a two-year extension as a consultant.
United fired Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earlier this month after a string of dismal league performances that included thrashings by Man City and Liverpool, as well as a 4-1 thrashing by Watford following the international break.
They quickly announced their intention to wait until the end of the season to appoint a permanent successor, with former United midfielder Michael Carrick acting as caretaker manager while the search for an interim manager was carried out.
Carrick was compelled to deny that the 63-year-old had a part in team selection for yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea after Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted from the starting XI following news of Rangnick’s impending arrival surfaced last week.
Rangnick’s inclusion in the dugout for the first time for Man United‘s Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Thursday has still to be confirmed, with his involvement believed to be contingent on visa processing.
First interview as United boss:
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 fulfill 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.”
Who is he?
Rangnick is regarded as a big influence on Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel due to his pivotal involvement in the development of ‘gegenpressing.’ He rose to fame as a head coach at Schalke and Hoffenheim before leading RB Leipzig to success in technical and director roles.
