Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has announced that he will not be staying on at the club in a consultancy role beyond the conclusion of his short-term tenure as head-coach.
Rangnick was appointed in November to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was thought to be taking up a position within the boardroom after the conclusion of this season to aid a rebuild following another below par campaign.
Following his arrival, the Austrian head-coach has struggled to impart his renowned tactical acumen with United finishing 7th, winning just two in their final nine Premier League matches of the season.
Last month, it was announced that Rangnick would be taking charge of the Austrian national team but would be staying on at United part-time.
Speaking after the announcement, he stated:
"“I will take over as national team manager of Austria at the end of the season but will continue my consultancy with Manchester United.“I’m really looking forward to playing my part in helping United become a real force again.”Via: The Athletic"
We now know that will not be the case, with United confirming the news via a club statement which read:
"“By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford.”"
1.5/42 - Ralf Rangnick's points-per-game (1.5) and win percentage (42%) are both the lowest of any Manchester United manager in the Premier League. Consulted. pic.twitter.com/9gO3EZcmM3
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 29, 2022
The former Leipzig manager is said to have had an influence on the appointment of set to be new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, formerly of Ajax.
The Athletic understands Rangnick held a discussion with his successor prior to his announced departure.
Although the statistics may paint Rangnick as the worst manager in the club’s history, the blame has – on the whole – fell at the player’s door, a luxury not afforded to managers before him.
Signs of improvement started and quickly diminished in his first game against Crystal Palace.The Red Devils won the game but under the surface exhibited why personnel would be the causal factor in Rangnick’s failure to inspire improvement. They started the tie with improved intent and in a fashion synonymous to the latter’s notorious gegenpressing system but quickly fell back into bad habits.
The decision to appoint Ralf Rangnick will be viewed as a turning point for United in regard to the philosophy of the club and he will be remembered for his refreshing honesty when assessing the damage.