Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager until the end of the season. Rangnick has left his role as head of sports and development at Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow to take up the job which is subject to work visa requirements.
The 63-year-old who will take over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer upon his appointment stated that "I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season.
"The squad is full of talent and has a great balance of youth and experience," added Rangnick.
"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."
According to the official website of Manchester United, " 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 an 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.”
Rangnick has built an impressive coaching reputation during his time in Germany, with both Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel speaking highly about their compatriot.
He set Ulm on course to promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time before spells in charge of Stuttgart, Hannover, Hoffenheim, Schalke and RB Leipzig.
He won the German Cup with Schalke in 2011 and took RB Leipzig to the final in 2019.
During the 2010-11 season, he led Schalke to the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they lost 6-1 on aggregate to United, who were then beaten by Barcelona in the final.
Michael Carrick will remain in charge of the first team until Ralf’s work visa is finalised.
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.
