Soccer-Rangnick expands permanent role at Man Utd, aims to bring balance

FILE PHOTO: Football – DFB Cup – Final – RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich – Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany – May 25, 2019 RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick looks depressed after losing the cup final DFB REUTERS / Wolfgang Rattay

December 3, 2021

(Reuters) – New Manchester United caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick says the team’s progress over his six-month tenure could determine whether he recommends himself to the club’s board. Premier League department to continue as their permanent coach or not.

The 63-year-old German was appointed on Monday to a season-ending contract after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked and will work in a consulting role for another two years.

The former RB Leipzig boss took charge of United’s seventh-placed team for the first time in Friday’s training session, having been granted a work visa this week ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.

“The people that I spoke to, they were very clear that it was a six-month role,” Rangnick told reporters during his first press conference at the club.

“We never talked about what would happen in the summer. Now, I fully know that they might be looking for a new manager. If they then talk to me about it, we’ll see.

“If they consult with me, and… all goes well, we develop the team, I might even make the same proposal to the board that I made in Leipzig twice. , when I suggest to them it might be a good idea to continue working with me for a year. ”

Rangnick, who was in the stands as caretaker coach Michael Carrick guided United to a 3-2 win over Arsenal in his final game on Thursday, said he is confident he can make it happen. The squad opened fire again.

“It’s about winning games and ultimately, I’m ambitious. We want to make the season as successful as possible. Right now, we have to be realistic,” Rangnick said. “The difference between us and the top three is huge. But see.

“My main goal is to bring more balance to the team. We conceded two goals yesterday and if you look at the total number of goals conceded, it’s two goals a game on average.

“Over many. It’s not the kind of game you need every day. In football to me, it’s about minimizing the element of coincidence.”

Rangnick, who also said he turned down a four-month offer from Chelsea last season, added that he had not discussed potential recruits during the January transfer window.

“Now is the time to get into the details of the current lineup, which is certainly not too small,” he said.

“There are enough players. Maybe after Christmas there will be a time to talk about possible transfers. In my experience, winter is not the time for sustainable transfers.”

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru)