Ralf Rangnick Doesn’t Rule Out Becoming Man United’s Permanent Manager

Manchester United interim boss, Ralf Rangnick, has not ruled out staying on as manager beyond his initial six months in charge.

Rangnick was at Old Trafford on Thursday to watch United beat Arsenal 3-2 in the Premier League and his first game in charge will be at home against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

“The people with whom I have spoken have been very clear we are speaking of a six-month role as manager,” he said.

“We have never spoken about what will happen in the summer.

“Right now, I’m fully aware that they might be looking for a new manager. If they will then speak with me about that, we will see.

“For me, now it is about winning the next games and this is the major focus.”

The interim manager also spoke on Portugal forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice in the win over Arsenal. But there have been questions over whether the 36-year-old will fit in under Rangnick’s pressing style of play.

“You always have to adapt your idea of football to the players you have available, not vice versa,” said Rangnick.

“Seeing Cristiano in the second half at the age of 36, amazing – top professional. At his age, I have never seen a player who is still that physically fit and he is still a player who can easily make the difference.

“It’s about how we can develop the whole team, it’s not only about Cristiano. We play in the most competitive league in the world so we need all the players on board. What I saw from Cristiano, he is more than willing to do that.”

Rangnick takes over with United seventh in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea, and through to the Champions League last 16 as Group F winners.

He added: “The challenge is to bring more balance into the team. Even [against Arsenal] we needed three goals to win the game. It’s almost two goals on average conceded per game and this is too much.

“The game was exciting for the fans but as the coach they are not the games you need every day.”

BBC