Premier League English

Manchester United and Ralf Rangnick agree to six-month agreement as approach for Mauricio Pochettino put on hold

Manchester United have come to a mutual agreement with Ralf Rangnick to become their interim manager for 6 months, beginning immediately.

The Athletic reports the highly-experienced Rangnick – who got his first gig as a manager in 1983 – will sign a six-month contract before likely moving over to a 2-year consultancy at Old Trafford. This is contingent upon the deal being subject to the approval of Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow, where Rangnick is presently attached to as their Head of Sport and Development.

Due to work permit issues, Rangnick, 63, will not be in charge for the Red Devils’ Premier League clash at Chelsea on Sunday.

So, what would th is latest development mean for Mauricio Pochettino as the Paris Saint-Germain boss has been heavily linked with the Old Trafford job ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was given the sack on Sunday?

Effectively, Man United have temporarily set aside their bid to get Mauricio Pochettino, but the understanding is that the club are still keen on making the Paris Saint-Germain boss Solskjaer’s permanent successor at the end of the season if the opportunity still avails itself then on the Argentine’s side.

Rangnick will be at the helm of a Man United side that’s currently eighth in the Premier League, having won just one of their last seven Premier League matches and are 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.

The Red Devils were most relieved to secure their place in the last-16 of the Champions League – their first in 3 seasons – under the guidance of first XI team coach Michael Carrick but were knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle under Solskjaer, which is now already water under the bridge.