Ralf Rangnick is Manchester United's new interim manager

Ralf Rangnick has been appointed as Manchester United's interim manager till the conclusion of the season. United's initial pick for a permanent manager is Mauricio Pochettino of PSG, with Ajax's Erik ten Haag also being considered. German takes over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was fired earlier this month.

After a deal with Lokomotiv Moscow to release the German from his contract, Ralf Rangnick has been appointed as Manchester United's interim manager until the end of the season.

Rangnick has been the head of sports and development for Lokomotiv since July, on a three-year contract. He agreed to take the United role on a temporary basis in exchange for being maintained as a consultant until 2024, with the ability to influence decisions.

In Sunday's 1-1 draw at Chelsea, Michael Carrick took interim command of United for the second time, and Rangnick is expected to be in the dugout for Arsenal's visit on Thursday — pending the receipt of his work permit. Until Rangnick receives clearance, Carrick will continue to supervise the team. United host Crystal Palace on Sunday, barely over a week after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjr.

“I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season for the club,” Rangnick told the club’s website. “The squad is full of talent and has a great balance of youth and experience. All my efforts for the next six months will be on helping these players fulfill their potential, both individually and, most importantly, as a team.

“Beyond that, I look forward to supporting the club’s longer-term goals on a consultancy basis.”

The 63-year-old has vast coaching experience, notably with Leipzig, Schalke, and Hoffenheim, as well as being a former director of football at RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig. Since holding down the fort at Leipzig throughout the 2018-19 season while the club awaited the arrival of Julian Nagelsmann, he has not worked as a manager.

Mauricio Pochettino of PSG is still interested in taking over at United in the summer and would not be turned off by Rangnick's presence as a consultant.

Following his appointment, Rangnick told United's website: "I'm thrilled to be joining Manchester United and am committed to helping the club have a great season.

"The squad is full of talent and has a great balance of youth and experience. All my efforts for the next six months will be on helping these players fulfill their potential, both individually and, most importantly, as a team.