Ralf Rangnick insists he has not given any consideration to becoming the next permanent manager of Manchester United — although he refused to distance himself from the possibility of it happening.
The Manchester Evening News reported earlier in the year that United intend to appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's full-time replacement before the end of the season with Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag of Ajax the current frontrunners for the role.
Earlier this week, football director John Murtough stated United are conducting a 'thorough process' to identify their next permanent manager as they look to finally close the gap on fierce rivals Man City and Liverpool.
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Rangnick was himself asked about United's plans to appoint a new manager and about his own credentials of being the long-term solution.
"I have no idea," Rangnick told reporters at his press conference ahead of the Manchester derby. "I haven't made any thoughts about that. My focus is on Sunday and then the next games against Tottenham, Atletico. There is no time and no space to think about anything else than the upcoming games."
Rangnick was then reminded of comments he made at his initial unveiling in which he stated he would be open to the permanent role if it were to be offered to him.
He added: "No, no, no I know what I said. I said with a twinkle in my eye maybe at one stage at the end I might recommend myself in the role as an advisor.
"It’s not the end of the season. We have 11 games, right now we have enough to do to prepare for Sunday and that’s where my focus is."
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