Interim manager Ralf Rangnick has agreed to a six-month contract with Manchester United, according to The Athletic and CBS Sports insider Fabrizio Romano, following the resignation of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The transfer to Old Trafford is contingent on Lokomotiv Moscow agreeing to discharge the German from his existing contract as president of sports and development.
Manchester United are in advanced talks with Ralf Rangnick as interim manager, as revealed by @David_Ornstein @lauriewhitwell earlier today 🔴🇩🇪 #MUFC
Deal not finalized yet – talks ongoing with Lokomotiv Moscow. Rangnick and Man Utd want to be respectful as he’s under contract. pic.twitter.com/wMFy9wseCE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 25, 2021
Often regarded as the “Godfather of modern coaching in Germany” the 63-year old manager has inspired the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp, and Julian Nagelsmann. As Former RedBull Salzburg and RB Leipzig director of football and head coach respectively, Ralf Rangnick has a long history of engagement with the Red Bull teams.
It was revealed by Romano that United had a list of five names and that a conference had taken place on Monday and that Ralf Rangnick was one of those on the list and would support the board in a consulting role until 2024 or 2025.
In addition, he has handled Schalke 04, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, and RB Leipzig while also overseeing the development of the Red Bull empire and the rise of Leipzig and Salzburg as European powerhouses.
Ralf Rangnick told Man Utd board on Monday he’ll accept this interim job only if future ‘consultancy’ with power on club choices will be included in the deal. Man Utd are prepared to accept this condition. 🔴🇩🇪 #MUFC
Talks now on with Lokomotiv as advanced by @TheAthleticUK. pic.twitter.com/VA3XSb0eef
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 25, 2021
During his time as RBL’s parent organization’s manager, he frequently stepped in as interim management. Mauricio Pochettino, the current head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, is widely considered the front-runner to be the permanent manager of the club.
The club’s owners appeared to have had enough after a humiliating 4-1 loss to Watford on Saturday, following defeats by archrivals Manchester City, and Liverpool in recent weeks.
A statement from Manchester United confirmed the departure of interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the club indicated they will begin searching for a long-term replacement after the season ends.