Manchester United have announced that former interim manager Ralf Rangnick will not be staying at the club in a planned consultancy position.
The German — who is set to focus solely on taking charge of the Austrian national team — was appointed as United interim boss back in November, with a view to becoming a football consultant at the end of his time coaching the first team. Initially, he only accepted the role on the proviso that he was offered a future at Old Trafford beyond the end of this season.
Rangnick is hugely experienced in matters off the pitch and oversaw excellent progress within the Red Bull franchise at both RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg. It was hoped he would bring that wealth of experience and knowledge to Old Trafford ahead of a new era getting under way this summer under a new manager.
READ MORE: Manchester United issue statement as Ralf Rangnick steps down from consultancy role
United, of course, appointed Erik ten Hag as their new manager last month and the former Ajax chief was unveiled to the media for the very first time last Monday at an Old Trafford press conference. Unsurprisingly, the Dutchman was quizzed on Rangnick's involvement at the club following his arrival and he did not seem overly keen on the idea of relying on his support and advice.
Asked if he felt the German's role as a consultant was going to be valuable, Ten Hag said: "That is on the club." It was a short answer that did not offer much encouragement to suggest that Ten Hag would be relying on Rangnick's knowledge and assistance.
"It's part of my analysis, I analyse by myself, I observe and I speak with a lot of people, but I will draw my own line," said Ten Hag. "I'm still in the process of analysing to set conclusions, I'm looking forward to working with these players.
"The season before, this squad finished second in the league, so it has potential, so I think if we improve, if we can work with them, we can get more out of them than this season."
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