Ralf Ragnick appointed interim manager of Manchester United
A statement from the club via their website read: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager until the end of the season, subject to work visa requirements.”
“Following this period, Ralf and the club have agreed that he will continue in a consultancy role for a further two years.”
John Murtough, 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.”
Ralf Rangnick in his first interview as interim manager 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.”
Michael Carrick will remain in charge of the first team until Ralf’s work visa is finalised.
Manchester United also thanked the administration of Lokomotiv Moscow after Ragnick was allowed to leave subject to approval from the president of the club.
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“The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Lokomotiv Moscow for their co-operation in the process of bringing Ralf to Manchester United.”
The 63-year-old, who is seen as the ‘godfather’ of modern coaching in Germany, is leaving his job as head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow to take up the role.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed as United manager on Sunday morning after their 4-1 defeat to Watford. The result left them eighth in the Premier League.
United made it clear that they would look to hire an interim manager until the end of the season and they quickly moved for Rangnick, who has previously managed Hannover, Schalke, Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig.
He also took little-known German side Ulm to the Bundesliga for the first time in their history at the start of this century.
Rangnick has also had significant success as a director of football. He held that role for both Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig from 2012 onwards, while having brief stints as manager at Leipzig.
After Rangnick took that role, Leipzig rose from the regional league to the fourth tier and now in the Bundesliga.
He also regularly stepped in as RBL manager during his period with the German outfit’s parent organization.
