Manchester United Appoint Ralf Rangnick as Interim Manager

Ralf Rangnick has been officially appointed as Manchester United’s interim manager till the end of the season alongside a future consultancy role agreed.

The 63-year-old left his position as manager of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow following interviews conducted by the United hierarchy after Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s sacking.

At the end of the season, Rangnick will switch the dugout for the boardroom as a consultant for two years. It is believed he will have a say in who replaces him in the summer.

The club also confirmed that Michael Carrick will continue to be in charge until Rangnick’s work visa is processed. It is currently unknown whether Rangnick will be available for United’s home fixture to Arsenal on Thursday.

Ralf Rangnick Appointed Manchester United Interim Manager

Club Statement

Ralf Rangnick said in a statement: “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.”

Manchester United Football Director John Murtough added: “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.”

The New Boss

Ralf Rangnick has a long coaching history which started in 1983 at German outfit FC Viktoria Backnang. This was followed by numerous spells across Germany, including Stuttgart, Hoffenheim, Hannover and Schalke.

As a director of football, Rangnick oversaw RB Leipzig rise from the regional league to the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

Many have rightfully drawn attention to his coaching philosophy and play style – something United lacked under Solkjaer. The German has been heralded as a pioneer for gegenpressing: a playstyle designed to win the ball back as soon as possible by pressing the opponent on the ball.

Variations have been adopted by the likes of Marcelo Bielsa, Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola, though the former Barcelona manager has been heavily inspired by former mentor Johan Cruyff.

However, many Rangnick disciples are littered across the sport. Thomas Tuchel, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Julian Nagelsmann philosophies have been derived from the new United manager. As many as 20 head coaches, managers and sporting directors are currently working who have been impacted by Rangnick’s teachings.

While Rangnick success as a manager will be an important story to follow in the short term, how the football intellect shapes United moving forward will be even bigger. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, Manchester United have been devoid of direction. Now, they finally have an opportunity to build a blueprint for the future.

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