Man Utd confirm Ralf Rangnick appointment as interim manager

Rangnick is the new manager of Manchester United

Manchester United have confirmed Ralf Rangnick as their new manager, taking charge of the club until the end of the season. The German agreed personal terms with United in the week, but an agreement had to be reached with Lokomotiv Moscow, where he had been head of sports development. That hurdle now cleared, Rangnick will take charge of United until a permanent manager is appointed in the summer. The 63-year-old built an impressive reputation as a coach in his native Germany in a career which saw him have spells with Stuttgart, Hannover, Hoffenheim, Schalke and RB Leipzig. His playing style, which places emphasis on pressing the opposition, is widely cited as being a major influence on a wave of other German coaches - including Jurgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel. As well as coaching Leipzig, he was also in charge of shaping the playing philosophy for all the clubs within the Red Bull group. https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1465282005369860098 He will remain with United beyond the end of the season, when he is expected to move into a technical role within the club's management structure. United had been linked with a raft of names for the interim role since dismissing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the defeat to Watford. At one stage, it appeared Mauricio Pochettino was willing to leave Paris Saint-Germain to take the role immediately. The Argentine is thought to be keen on a return to England and could be appointed as United's next permanent manager when Rangnick moves into a new role at the end of the season. Erik Ten Hag, who has masterminded the resurgence of Ajax as a force in European football, is also thought to be admired at Old Trafford. Some reports have cited that the decision makers at Old Trafford prefer the Dutchman than a move for the Tottenham manager. Related links:

• PSG adamant Mauricio Pochettino will not leave for Man United before end of season
• Mauricio Pochettino plays down Man United links, claiming he is ‘happy’ in Paris
• Ralf Rangnick agrees deal to become interim manager at Manchester United