Ralf Rangnick has been appointed Manchester United interim manager until the end of the season.
The 63-year-old’s contract will see him take charge of the first team until June and then remain at the club for at least a further two years in a consultancy role.
United reached an agreement with Lokomotiv Moscow last week for the release of Rangnick, who was manager of sports and development at the Russian club.
He will take the reins from Michael Carrick, who was in temporary charge of the team for last week’s 2-0 Champions League win over Villarreal and Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea in the Premier League following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, Carrick will remain in charge for Thursday’s home game against Arsenal if Rangnick’s work permit is not processed in time.
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Rangnick told United’s website following his appointment:
“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.”
John Murtough, the football director at United, added:
“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.”
Rangnick will be joined at United by a small number of his own staff, while those working under Solskjaer will remain as part of the new regime.
