Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has confirmed he is taking over as coach of the Austria national team.
It emerged on Thursday night the Austrian football association had made an offer to Rangnick but he refused to respond to the reports after United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Rangnick said in a statement: “I will take over as national team manager of Austria at the end of the season but will continue my consultancy with Manchester United.
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“I’m really looking forward to playing my part in helping United become a real force again.”
Rangnick will step down as interim United manager at the end of the season, with Ajax coach Erik ten Hag due to take over.
United sources say they are pleased for Rangnick and supportive of his decision to coach Austria, who have four Nations League games against Croatia, Denmark and France in June.
When Rangnick agreed to a two-year consultancy role, his agreement was never exclusive so he had the freedom to occupy dual roles.
Peter Schöttel, sporting director of Austrian FA, said: "After a very well-founded and intensive process, we were able to win Ralf Rangnick, an absolute top man with a great international reputation as team boss. It makes me very proud and really looking forward to working together."
Rangnick added: "It's an honor for me to take on the role. I'm particularly excited about the prospect of contesting the European Championships in Germany with a young team hungry for success."
The German is familiar with Austrian football from his eight-year stint as sporting director of the Red Bull group. Rangnick oversaw recruitment at Red Bull Salzburg.
Austria are ranked 34th in the world and failed to qualify for the World Cup.
