Ralf Rangnick looks set to take more of a backseat at Manchester United when his consultancy role kicks in over the summer and a new era unfolds at Old Trafford.
Rangnick is in temporary charge until the end of the season but the German is not a contender for the full-time job, which Manchester United hope to have filled before the end of the season to allow for planning for the summer transfer window.
i understands the club are waiting to see how the season plays out before defining the terms of Rangnick’s continued role, with sources close to the German saying he is focused on achieving a top-four finish rather than thinking about next season and beyond.
But it is envisaged that he will be “knowledge on tap” for the club’s hierarchy rather than moving into the equivalent of a sporting director position when he steps down from the manager’s role.
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Rangnick has endured criticism for a perceived lack of impact in the job since taking over on an interim basis with the club knocked out of the FA Cup by Middlesbrough and in the last 16 of the Champions League earlier this month. But within the club it is acknowledged that he took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at a time when the season was listing badly. He has inherited a group of players that includes many who wish to leave Old Trafford including the likes of Dean Henderson and Jesse Lingard who saw moves away in January blocked.
Even though he is not in the running to take over in the long-term Rangnick could offer invaluable advice to the next man based on experience of the changes that need to be made. He has impressed some supporters with his honesty in press conferences and the short shrift he has given players who are reported to have been unhappy.
Some sources close to Rangnick believe he should have been backed more in the transfer market and to bring in more support staff to complete a culture shift. But with a new man to be appointed soon, that feels like a forlorn wish.
All roads lead to Erik ten Hag as the frontrunner for the Old Trafford job although Mauricio Pochettino remains a candidate.
The Ajax manager reportedly impressed in the first round of interviews and is interested in the role. But he may have other offers in the summer and the Dutch giants have not given up hope of him staying in Amsterdam for another season. Former Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal urged him to join “a football club and not a commercial club” in comments that captured headlines earlier this week.
Luis Enrique and Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui have also featured in discussions but the latter appeared to put an end to speculation surrounding his own future when he told a Spanish TV station there was “no doubt” that he would remain at the club.
Whoever takes over, transfer priorities appear clear: a high-class defensive midfielder and a prolific forward.
West Ham have put a £150million price tag on their number one target Declan Rice while Benfica want in excess of £60million for Darwin Nunez, who is also in the thoughts of Spurs and Newcastle.
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