Ralf Rangnick has been named interim manager of Manchester United until the end of the season, according to the club’s official website.
Rangnick will be in charge of the team until the end of the current season after the Red Devils fired Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and sought an experienced replacement.
The 63-year-old brings a plethora of European football experience to the Premier League, having previously led Schalke and RB Leipzig, as well as serving as director of football at both Leipzig and sister club Red Bull Salzburg.
Rangnick has been the manager of sports and development for Lokomotiv Moscow of the Russian Premier League since July, but an agreement has now been made for him to move to the Premier League.
The German has agreed to serve as Manchester United’s interim manager for six months before moving to a consultative role at Old Trafford on a two-year contract at the end of the season.
Rangnick was excited to start his new journey as he 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 fulfill 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, a key proponent of the gegenpressing method and zonal marking, is credited with influencing modern German coaches such as Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, and Julian Nagelsmann.
Rangnick watched the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday on television in Germany and could take charge of the team for the first time during Thursday’s match against Arsenal at Old Trafford, though his visa must be finalized first, and he may need to self-isolate due to new travel rules that take effect at 4 a.m. on Tuesday.
