Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as the club’s interim manager until the end of the campaign.
Rangnick will oversee the side until the end of the current season, with the Red Devils having sought an experienced figure following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 63-year-old arrives in the Premier League with a wealth of experience in European football, having enjoyed spells in charge of Schalke and RB Leipzig, in addition a director of football role at both Leipzig and sister club Red Bull Salzburg.
He has been working as manager of sports and development for Russian Premier League club Lokomotiv Moscow since July, but an agreement has now been reached for Rangnick to move to the Premier League.
The German has signed a six-month deal as Manchester United interim manager and will move into a consultatory position at Old Trafford on an initial two-year contract at the end of the season.
Rangnick is credited with influencing modern German coaches included Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann, having been a leading proponent of the gegenpressing system and zonal marking.
Speaking following his appointment, the German told ManUtd.com: “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.”
Rangnick watched the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw with Chelsea on television in Germany on Sunday and could take charge of the side for the first time during Thursday’s clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford, though it is dependent on his visa being finalised, while he may also need to self isolate due to new travel rules that are set to come into force at 4AM on Tuesday morning.
