Ralf Rangnick is rumoured to have upset those at the top of the Manchester United hierarchy in the aftermath of the Red Devils 4-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield in midweek.
In the wake of Jurgen Klopp's men running riot against their fierce rivals, Rangnick admitted that United were six years behind their Merseyside counterparts. "It is embarrassing, it is disappointing, maybe even humiliating," the German added.
"We have to accept they are six years ahead of us now.
When Jurgen Klopp came they changed at the club and lifted not just the team but the club and city to a new level. That is what needs to happen with us in the next transfer windows."
Rangnick's reign as interim manager will come to an end following the campaign's close and Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has already officially been unveiled as his successor on a permanent basis. It is expected that Rangnick will transition into a two-year consultancy role within the United boardroom.
However, Football Director John Murtough is thought to have differing opinions to Rangnick on how long it will take United to be restored to their former glories and will be hopeful Ten Hag can prove the 'six years behind' claim incorrect.
Rangnick publicly predicted that the United can expect plenty of movement in terms of the playing squad in the summer. "For me, it's clear that there will be, I don't know what, six, seven, eight, maybe 10 new players," he revealed. "And then before you sign those players, you need to be aware, how do you want to play?
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"What kind of football does the new manager want to play and then take it from there and then bring every single player fitting into that kind of profile.
"There will be a rebuild, for sure. But right now, that doesn't help us because we still have another five games to play," said the Lokomotiv Moscow sporting director. The rebuild will take place with Ten Hag in the hot-seat, rather than Rangnick.
Tension had started to build between Rangnick and other figures within the club. According to the Telegraph, United's interim boss has asked technical director Darren Fletcher to stop issuing tactical instructions to the players from the touchline during games.
The former United midfielder also played an active role in the club's search for a new manager, potentially causing a greater divide given Rangnick was keen on the role on a full-time basis himself. Having a figure in the dugout with him who was actively searching for his replacement may have irked the former RB Leipzig boss.
