Manchester United are set to announce Ralf Rangnick as their new boss following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 63-year-old will be announced on a six-month interim basis according to The Athletic, with a two-year consultancy role for the future.
MM takes a look at the German’s career so far and what United fans can expect from their new man.
Playing career
Having begun his playing career at VFB Stuttgart, Rangnick was noted early on for his strategic knowledge and was handed a player-coach role.
While short lived and primarily spent in Germany, Rangnick has experienced English football before.
When studying at the University of Sussex, he applied his trade at non-league club Southwick.
Management in Germany
In May 1999, Rangnick took charge of VfB Stuttgart for the final five games of their season – winning two of them.
He stayed with the club until February 2001, where he was sacked after a poor run of form.
He went on to become head coach of Schalke 04, 1899 Hoffenheim and lastly RB Leipzig for the 2015/16 season.
Latest role in Russia
In July 2021, Rangnick was appointed as Manager of Sports and Development for FC Lokomotiv Moscow.
He is one of the most sought-after football executives, and now prefers working at board level as oppose to Head Coach.
United now must engage in talks with Lokomotiv Moscow to ensure he can join the Premier League outfit.
Modern game tactics
Rangnick is highly considered as one of the architects for the modern style of football.
He was one of the pioneers of ‘Gegenpressing’, a style of play where teams immediately press for the ball after losing possession.
Nicknamed ‘The Professor’, he has already influenced the modern game with many teams attempting to adopt his philosophy.
The reported contract
The Athletic claim Rangnick would only accept the interim Head Coach position if he was to be given a consultancy role once the current season is over.
The new boss wants to have power on club choices in the future as part of the board.
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to accept this condition.
