Man United news: Ralf Rangnick may hinder new manager hunt after journalist’s update – pundit
Paul Robinson has suggested Ralf Rangnick’s presence could throw a spanner into the works as Manchester United look for a new permanent manager.
The former England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it will be “difficult” for the German coach to interview for a role he is currently in.
As reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein on Monday (21 February), the process to appoint a permanent manager is underway at Old Trafford.
The club have reportedly identified PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax’s Erik ten Hag as prime candidates.
Ornstein claims the Red Devils are now planning preliminary talks with prospective hires.
Meanwhile, Rangnick will take on a two-year consultancy role.
As quoted by the Guardian shortly after his appointment as interim boss (3 December), the 63-year-old refused to rule himself out of the running for the permanent post.
Robinson admitted Rangnick may have a conflict of interest, should he really want to remain as manager.
“You would expect Rangnick to be involved in the appointment of the manager, absolutely,” Robinson told Football Insider’s Dylan Childs.
“He has openly come out and said he wants the manager’s job himself. He is going to have to interview candidates for a job he said he wanted himself.
“It is a difficult situation. They obviously appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from a caretaker’s role. I do not think they can do the same with Rangnick.
“I think they have changed. They have got better results-wise, maybe not performances.
“But I do not see him as a long-term solution. It will be difficult for him to appoint somebody into a job he wants.
“He is going to be in an advisory role, a technical role. He is going to be on the board and have a say who comes in. It will be a big decision.
“They have to get it right this time. They have to appoint a manager to manage the football club.”
Rangnick has won eight of his 15 games during his interim spell in the Old Trafford dugout.
He has lost just once in 12 Premier League fixtures so far.
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