“Most respected”- Man United honcho reveals where Rangnick stood in club’s managerial wishlist | OneFootball

John Murtough admits that Ralf Rangnick was the priority Manchester United managerial target

According to a press release (h/t The Mirror), Manchester United technical director, John Murtough has revealed that Ralf Rangnick was the club’s first choice to take over as the interim manager until the end of the season.

The German visionary’s appointment was officially announced today and he will be in charge of the club until the end of the season. He will continue to serve the Red Devils as a consultant for two more years.

With no time being wasted since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, Man United must deserve credit for landing their man quick. Rangnick, who was the sporting director of Lokomotiv Moscow, will also play a role in helping choose his successor.

Murtough is well aware of Rangnick’s reputation and has credited him as one of the innovators of European football. Given the success he has had at TSG Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, the Red Devils may have in fact struck gold.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer certainly brought in positive vibes, not to mention nostalgia. However, his tactical acumen was up for debate. The same cannot be said of Rangnick, who has built up a solid reputation as an effective thinker across Europe.

As things stand, Man United could do with someone who can turn the club’s fortunes around. There are better at the job than Rangnick. It could prove to be exciting times ahead for the club and a trophy or two come next May would not go amiss.

The German manager meanwhile admitted that he is excited to join the Old Trafford outfit and has already set sights on success. The Red Devils already have one of the best squads in the league. The onus is on the manager to now get the best out of them.

Rangnick’s job, however, won’t be easy. Building a side that has the ability but lacks cohesion or identity is no easy task. But then he was one of the best people out there who were available. Whether he could prove to have the Midas touch remains to be seen.

Man United take on Arsenal on Thursday in a tie that has lost its importance over the years. Whether Rangnick will be in charge on the night or whether we will have to wait until the weekend to catch him in action remains to be seen.