Ralf Rangnick has agreed to become Manchester United’s temporary manager after reaching an agreement in principle with Lokomotiv Moscow.
Rangnick’s contract to take over as interim coach until the end of the season is scheduled to be signed this weekend. A two-year consultancy job is included in the arrangement.
Sky Sports News has learned United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward pushed for the additional two years given Rangnick’s level of expertise.
United strongly believe Rangnick will offer valuable insight and resource on the football side beyond the end of the season.
Rangnick, who is being represented in the UK by Dr. Oliver Wendt, Scott Fisher, Mel Stein and Joel Macadar, will require a work permit before he can begin work.
Michael Carrick is still expected to be in charge for Sunday’s Premier League game at Chelsea, live on Sky Sports.
Carrick was placed in temporary charge while United sought to appoint an interim boss following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday.
United are planning to make a permanent appointment at the end of the season and Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is their first choice, with Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag also in their thinking.
Carrick on Rangnick reports: I’m focused on Chelsea
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Carrick would not be drawn on reports that United are poised to name Rangnick as interim manager.
“From my point of view there’s a lot of speculation and reports, but as I’m sitting here now I’m preparing the team for the game (against Chelsea on Sunday),” Carrick said.
“My head’s in the game. I haven’t got any more news to share with you on that front. I’m just looking forward to getting down to London to play against Chelsea.”
Leonardo: Poch staying at PSG – ‘he never asked to leave’
Mauricio Pochettino has “never asked to leave” Paris Saint-Germain, despite speculation linking the coach with Manchester United, says the French club’s sporting director Leonardo.
Pochettino is the first choice among the United hierarchy to become manager at Old Trafford next summer.
The Argentine, linked with a return to former club Tottenham in the summer, said in midweek he is “so happy” at the French Ligue 1 leaders amid reports he could be persuaded to leave mid-season.
“I think it’s important to clarify the situation given the amount of false information circulating. Mauricio Pochettino is under contract with the club until 2023,” Leonardo told AFP.
“We do not want Pochettino to leave. He never asked to leave and no club contacted us in relation to him.”
