Ralf Rangnick has been confirmed as Austria’s head coach on a two-year contract but will continue as a consultant to Manchester United from the summer.
The 63-year-old’s appointment was confirmed on Friday and he will have his Austria deal extended by two years if the team qualify for Euro 2024. He starts that role at the end of May, once his period as United’s interim manager is over.
“I will take over as national team manager of Austria at the end of the season but will continue my consultancy with Manchester United,” Rangnick said. “I’m really looking forward to playing my part in helping United become a real force again.
“It is an honour for me to take on the role of [Austria] manager. The prospect of contesting the European Championships in Germany with a young team hungry for success fills me with great anticipation.”
On Thursday night Cristiano Ronaldo’s 23rd goal of the season cancelled out Marcos Alonso’s opener and gave United a 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea. Chelsea now have 66 points after 33 games and are third, six points ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal, while United are sixth with 55, five behind the Gunners.
Wins in United’s final three games – against Brentford, Brighton and Crystal Palace – will mean they would equal their lowest ever Premier League points total of 64 points, of the 2013-14 season, under David Moyes. Asked about avoiding a new low, Rangnick said: “It was overall a difficult season. We could have quite a few more points, I wouldn’t say easily but realistically we should have more. We dropped out of the Champions League against Atlético Madrid and it was a massive blow with regard to not only confidence but also energy and that is why it is important we showed a reaction [tonight] against one of the best three teams in England.”
Rangnick is unsure if Ronaldo will remain at the club. “This is something that we should speak about between Erik and the board and myself. Cristiano has another year of contract, it is also important to find out what he wants, if he wants to stay.”
Thomas Tuchel’s team missed a series of chances to beat United. “It was a little bit frustrating,” the Chelsea manager said.
