Come for all the major happenings across the football world. Stay for the original content that explores, reflects on and celebrates the beautiful game.
Follow us on

NEWS

PREMIER LEAGUE

MANCHESTER UNITED

Manchester United confirm the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager

The German will take charge on an interim basis for the rest of the season, following which, he will continue in a consultancy role for two more years

Picture Courtesy of : Steffen Prößdorf
Ralf Rangnick as RB Leipzig head coach in 2019

Ralf Rangnick as RB Leipzig head coach in 2019

Manchester United have today announced the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager. The 63-year-old replaces Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was sacked a week ago following a string of poor performances. Rangnick joins from Lokomotiv Moscow, where he joined as head of sports and development back in July.

 

“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.” said United football director John Murtough.

“I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season for the club.” said Ralf Rangnick 

 

“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.” he added.

 

Rangnick is considered to be one of the foremost footballing brains in Germany and is widely recognised for developing Gegenpressing - a style of football where a team closes down the opponent high up the pitch soon after losing possession, and in-turn playing a part in inspiring a host of successful German managers like Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann and also Austrian Ralph Hasenhüttl. In fact, Rangnick was the man who gave Thomas Tuchel his first coaching gig at SSV Ulm.

 

The former Red Bull head of sports came out as the outright favourite for the job after impressing the United officials during their meeting and the club even have plans to keep him beyond the season and help him put the structure in place to get the glory days back to United. 

 

“Unfortunately, a good coach is coming to England” joked Jurgen Klopp on Friday when asked about the Rangnick’s potential appointment. “(He) built two clubs from nowhere to proper threats in Germany with Hoffenheim and Leipzig. (He) did a lot of different jobs in football but his first concern was always being a coach and that's his skill.” Klopp added.

United came out with a valuable point against Chelsea on Sunday, and face the test of Arsenal on Thursday evening in what could be Rangnick's first match as the new boss, provided he can get his visa finalised. 

RELATED STORIES

Roman Abramovich photographed at Stamford Bridge

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea confirm club’s sale and end of Roman Abramovich era

The Todd Boehly-led consortium wins the bid to acquire the London Club

1 year ago

Arteta celebrating Arsenal's FA Cup win

PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta signs new three-year contract with Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta extends his stay in North London until 2025

1 year ago

Roman Abramovich photographed at Stamford Bridge

PREMIER LEAGUE

Roman Abramovich addresses media speculation and clarifies position in latest Chelsea statement

Chelsea are in the process of finalising a takeover for which American Todd Boehly has already been chosen as the preferred bidder

1 year ago

Salah holding the UEFA Super Cup after Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties

PREMIER LEAGUE

Salah bags prestigious accolade for the second time

Chelsea’s Sam Kerr is named the Women’s Footballer of the Year

1 year ago

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gestures to the fans at Anfield

PREMIER LEAGUE

Jurgen Klopp extends Anfield stay till 2026

The German had earlier said he would only remain past 2024 “if I had the energy”

1 year ago