Manchester United have appointed Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager.
As first revealed by The Athletic on Thursday, Rangnick has agreed a six-month deal until the end of May, subject to work visa requirements. He will then spend a further two years at the Premier League club in a consultancy role.
In a statement, Rangnick, 63, said: “I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season for the club.
“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.
“Beyond that, I look forward to supporting the club’s longer-term goals on a consultancy basis.”
John Murtough, the club’s football director, added: “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.
“Everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him during the season ahead, and then for a further two years in his advisory role.”
Rangnick, who is seen as the ‘godfather’ of modern coaching in Germany, left his job as head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow to take up the position.
“The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Lokomotiv Moscow for their co-operation in the process of bringing Ralf to Manchester United,” the Premier League club added.
