According to a report by Laurie Whitwell and David Ornstein, of The Athletic, Manchester United will appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim manager. The deal will go ahead if Lokomotiv Moscow – where Rangnick currently works as the head of sports and development – allows him to leave.
Ralf Rangnick to Become Manchester United Interim Manager
Manchester United Will Still Search for a Permanent Manager but Ralf Rangnick Offers Experience for Now
Ralf Rangnick has reached an agreement to become the interim manager of Manchester United. The 63-year-old is currently working upstairs at Lokomotiv Moscow in Russia but has extensive managerial experience. The report by The Athletic states the deal will see Rangnick become United’s interim manager for six months. However, the deal will see Rangnick stay on for a further two years in a consultancy role. Rangnick will offer a vast amount of experience in comparison to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. A key pioneer of the gegenpress movement, Rangnick has had managerial stints with Hannover, Schalke, Hoffenheim, and RB Leipzig.
Manchester United face Chelsea next but, due to work permit reasons, Rangnick will not be in charge in time for that game. Caretaker manager Michael Carrick will continue in the dugout until Rangnick can take over.
Right Time To Replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
United made the decision to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday, November 21, following the 4-1 defeat to Watford. The decision to install an interim boss stems from Paris Saint-Germain playing hardball over head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Therefore Ralf Rangnick will only take the team through until the end of the season. Manchester United will still search for a permanent manager in the meantime, with Pochettino likely still a top target.
The sacking of Solskjaer came as no surprise to many. Despite signing a long-term deal in July 2021, comfortable defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City, and the capitulation against Watford his role became untenable.
Why Ralf Rangnick?
Appointing Rangnick will offer United a steady hand and a tactical identity. Known as the “professor”, Rangnick has a clear tactical mind. Using a gegenpress style that focuses on attacking with intent. His teams press high, with immense counter-pressure, and when in possession rarely pass backward.
Rangnick is passionate about this brand of football and will want to control games. United’s history is full of teams that mirror this ethos regarding a relentless attack. This contrast to Solskjaer’s United will be widely welcomed by the fans. This appointment may just give Manchester United players a chance to work in a clear, thought-out system.
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