Manchester United have been told to take Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice as their hunt for a new manager steps up a gear.
Following the chastening 4-1 defeat at Manchester City, the chances of Ralf Rangnick remaining in the dugout for next season appear slim to none.
The club’s Football Director John Murtough has confirmed that a “thorough process” to appoint a long term successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now underway.
There have been a number of names in the frame, including Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
Recent reports have claimed that Real Madrid ’s Carlo Ancelotti could be in the frame after Ferguson personally recommended him to United’s new CEO Richard Arnold.
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Rangnick, who is set to take on a two-year consultancy role at Old Trafford from the summer, is likely to be involved in the hiring of the new manager and has previously stated United should take a “new pathway” having relied on Fergie’s past glories ever since his 2013 retirement.
In his opening press conference back in November, Rangnick said: "Having had Sir Alex for so many years is unique and for me, it's not that unusual that after such a long and successful spell a club needs to find a new pathway."
The 63-year-old addressed some of United's post-Ferguson failings, adding: "The club has had no continuity in signing new players and sticking to the DNA of the club.
"In the future, the board members and I have the same opinion. It's important not to have many changes in management."
However, former United striker Louis Saha has said that managing Manchester United is “a different animal” compared to other clubs, making Ferguson’s expert knowledge so crucial.
“If I am a board member or someone involved in this club I will always respect [his opinion],” Saha told Metro Sport. “The only one who really has the right to give advice is that guy.
“He knows and understands the position better than anyone. He will definitely try to do the best in terms of that recruitment. We all make mistakes.
“This job is not easy, it is a new era, there are different types of players, different types of agents around them.
“It is a really tough position and Manchester United is a different animal compared to other clubs.
“I have great respect for Paris Saint-Germain and the job Mauricio Pochettino is doing and also did with Tottenham but United is a different animal.
“We need a manager to address the points we have been missing. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did great in terms of rediscovering some quality going forward. But that aggressiveness this club needs is not there.”
