Trusted ally sees Man Utd move blocked as Ragnick visa delay leaves Carrick in charge
Ralf Rangnick will not take charge of Manchester United in Thursday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal, with a delay in his visa application leaving Michael Carrick in charge for a third successive match.
The wise, old German sage has been selected as the man to take charge of United through to the end of the season. He inherits a hugely-talented squad, but one which largely underperformed under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. His first interview with United underlined his aims for the season.
It had been hoped that Rangnick would get the necessary documents through in time to take charge against Arsenal. However, United reported on Tuesday that a delay in his visa application means that Carrick will stay in charge.
In a short statement on their official website, United said: “Michael has communicated this to players and staff at Carrington in a busy week for the club.”
Carrick is now preparing the players for the match against Mikel Arteta’s side at Old Trafford. He will hope to maintain his decent record as United’s ‘interim, interim’ boss. He was at the wheel as United secured their Champions League progress with a win at Villarreal.
Carrick also guided the club to a battling 1-1 draw at Chelsea; both results have significantly raised morale at Carrington.
And while being compared to a farmyard animal, one pundit reckons they can still claim a top-four finish.
It all means that Rangnick’s first game in charge is likely to be Sunday’s Old Trafford meeting with Crystal Palace.
Lars Kornetka won’t join Rangnick at Man Utd
Rangnick, meanwhile, has reportedly seen efforts to install Lars Kornetka as his No 2 fail.
Kornetka has worked alongside Rangnick in previous jobs at Hoffenheim, Schalke and RB Leipzig. He also joined Rangnick in Russia when the pair accepted roles with Lokomotiv Moscow.
Rangnick has previously described Kornetka as ‘the best video analyst we have in Germany and my friend and colleague’. As such, he was the 63-year-old’s first choice to assist him in his new role at Old Trafford.
However, Lokomotiv have announced Kornetka will remain in the Russian capital. Indeed, he now fills Rangnick’s former position as their head of sport and development.
Rangnick will instead look elsewhere in a bid to find a No 2 at United. The German will likely finalise his backroom team in the coming days.
Indeed, reports state that Carrick, Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna – who all worked under Solskjaer – are likely to retain their positions.
READ MORE: Man Utd respond as Rangnick offered ‘wildcard’ Barcelona star in swap deals
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