Manchester United appoint German Rangnick as interim manager

Manchester United announced today, Monday, the appointment of German Ralf Rangnick as interim coach until the end of the current season, eight days after the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Reuters reports that Rangnick is stepping in to replace Solskjaer, who was sacked after United’s 4-1 defeat at Watford this month, their seventh defeat in 13 games in all competitions, which left them eighth in the Premier League standings.

“Manchester United is pleased to announce the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim coach until the end of the season, subject to a work visa,” the club said in a statement.

After this period, Ralph and the club have agreed to continue in his advisory role for another two years.

Former midfielder Michael Carrick, one of Solskjaer’s assistants, coached the team to win the Champions League at Villarreal last Tuesday and oversaw a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.

Rangnick, who began coaching in the early 1980s, is a proponent of “reverse pressing” – a style of football in which teams press high and use counterpressing to recover the ball as quickly as possible after losing it, rather than back down. for reassembly.

“I’m excited to join United and focus on making this season a successful one for the club,” said Rangnick.

“The team is full of talent and they have a great balance between youth and experience. All my efforts for the next six months will be on helping these players achieve their potential, on an individual level and most importantly as a team.

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

success in Germany

The 63-year-old coach has coached a number of clubs in Germany and has had great success. He achieved back-to-back promotions with Hoffenheim in 2006-07 and 2007-08 to advance to the German Bundesliga for the first time.

He led Schalke to the German Cup in 2011, before helping establish RB Leipzig as a leading team in the Bundesliga during two stints as coach.

Rangnick has enjoyed the most success in his role as director of football at Leipzig, a position he held from 2012 to 2019. The club rose from the German regional fourth tier to competition in the Champions League during his tenure.

“Ralph is one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football,” said United Director of Football John Mortog.

“He was our number one candidate for the interim director position, reflecting the invaluable leadership and technical skills he would bring from nearly four decades of management and coaching experience.”

Rangnick is leaving his position as Head of Sport and Development at Russian Premier League team Lokomotiv Moscow to take charge of Old Trafford.

Karik will remain in charge of the first team until the completion of Rangnick’s work visa.

United, who are in eighth place with 18 points from 13 games, host Arsenal in the league on Thursday.

NS