Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has admitted that Erik ten Hag is one of the top coaches in the world amid links to the Old Trafford job.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick hailed AFC Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as one of the best in the world. But he insisted that the club are yet to begin internal discussions over the next managerial appointment.
Rangnick took over the Manchester United hotseat towards the end of the last year, replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was shown the doors after a torrid run of results. The German was brought in on an interim basis only, to help steady the ship, before a permanent replacement was named at the end of the season.
However, things have not gone that well for the former RB Leipzig manager and director, with Manchester United struggling to string together a run of wins. The derby demolition at the hands of Manchester City on Sunday was another setback for Rangnick and his team, as United now run the risk of missing out on a top-four finish.
The German tactician will stay in charge for the remainder of the campaign, following which he will move into a consultancy role and have a say in the appointment of the next manager as well as player recruitment. Speaking to Sky Sports, in an interview conducted before the game against City, Rangnick admitted discussions over the next manager are yet to occur within the club.
??? JUST IN:
Full Ten Hag question from Sky Sports to Ralf Rangnick. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/GmVCEZNSlj
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) March 6, 2022
“So far, we’ve not spoken about that. Not with John Murtough or anyone else, we’ve not spoken about this topic over the last weeks and months since I’ve been here. I know my opinion but so far we’ve not spoken about that so it’s all I can tell you,” he said.
Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag has emerged as one of the top contenders for the job, with Manchester United touted to have established contact with the Dutchman as well. When asked about those rumours, Rangnick was reluctant to give anything away but did reserve praise for the 52-year-old.
“I don’t know him to start with as a person, but I’ve seen how Ajax have developed since he’s been there,” Rangnick said. “I know about the work he did while he was at Bayern Munich and it’s obvious he’s one of the top coaches in Europe but there are a few others. We’ve not spoken about any new manager so far and therefore we’ve not spoken about him.”
Apart from ten Hag, Mauricio Pochettino is also a contender for the Manchester United job, while reports from ESPN have indicated that Carlo Ancelotti could also be under consideration. It remains to be seen which way the Red Devils decide to go, but for now, the focus will be on Rangnick as he tries to lead the team to a top-four finish in the Premier League.
