Manchester United have confirmed Ralf Rangnick’s interim appointment until the end of the season.
United drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Sunday, after Jadon Sancho’s second goal in successive matches was cancelled out by a Jorginho penalty.
Michael Carrick took charge of that game and dropped a selection bombshell when Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench. Now, Carrick will hand the reins to German coach Rangnick, who United confirmed will move into a consultancy role for two years after his six-month spell overseeing first team matters.
United will quickly turn their attention to their Thursday night clash with Arsenal, as Rangnick looks to improve upon the job done by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the two solid results — against Villarreal and Chelsea — overseen by Carrick.
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 fulfil their potential, both individually and, most importantly, as a team.”
Rangnick, 63, is still awaiting a Governing Body Endorsement to officially start work at United. It is unclear if the German will manage the club against Arsenal in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Thursday. Michael Carrick will continue to manage the team until Rangnick receives a GBE.
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 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.”
On landing the role as Manchester United’s new interim manager, Ralf Rangnick, in a statement, has 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 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.”
On the appointment of Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United football director John Murtough has said: “Manchester United football director, said: “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.