Manchester United finds interim manager to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjær

Manchester United reports having signed Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager.

The German-born coach regarded as the ‘godfather’ of modern coaching in Germany is leaving his job as the head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow to manage the Red Devils.

Before Manchester United appoints Rangnick, the English-based club is working out an agreement with Rangnick club, Lokomotiv, to release him from his contract. There are no issues between Manchester United and Lokomotiv, and the process is progressing smoothly.

Reports confirm a six-month agreement between Rangnick and Manchester United until the end of May. After which, he will take up the role of a consultant to the club.

Although, because of work permit complications, Michael Carrick will still be in charge of the 13-time champions when they take on Chelsea on Sunday.

Manchester United rush to sign an interim manager came on the heel of sacking their former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær. The Norwegian had been appointed Manchester United’s manager in March 2019 following a stint in caretaker charge.

However, sacking Solskjaer has forced them to hire an interim coach until the end of the season.

Known for his tactical mastery and football philosophy, Rangnick is feared and respected by the likes of top European coaches Jürgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, who uses playing style and principles engineered by the German international.

Rangnick previously managed several German Bundesliga teams; Hannover, Schalke, Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig are the most recent.

One of his significant accomplishments came when he took charge of Ulm, bringing them to the Bundesliga for the first time in their history in 1999.

The 63-year-old is also known for his success as director of football. He was appointed by RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg while having a short spell as manager at Leipzig.

During his spell at Leipzig, he took the German side from the regional league — the fourth tier — to the Bundesliga.

Manchester United is currently eighth in the English Premier League on 17 points; eight points behind Liverpool who are in third, nine points behind Manchester City, who is second and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Losing four of their last five league fixtures, Manchester United is hoping Rangnick can have an immediate effect to turn their season around to at least qualify for Europa League next season.