Ralf Rangnick’s press conference felt a little shorter than usual. Maybe it’s just me, but the journalists were more interested in Erik ten Hag than Manchester United’s next game against Everton.
It will probably continue until United make an announcement – but it’s clear that Rangnick is focused on improving results and finishing in fourth place, which he knows will not be deemed a success at our club.
When asked about Ten Hag, Rangnick made his position clear, stating that he wanted to talk about the upcoming game against Everton.
“I think this is the press conference for tomorrow’s game and I don’t intend to speak about any possible new managers here,” Rangnick told reporters, as per the Manchester Evening News. “From what I know, all the managers with whom the club have so far spoken are top managers, top coaches. If this includes Erik ten Hag, then it’s also true with him. That’s all I can say at this stage.”
Ten Hag has been the frontrunner for some time after leapfrogging Mauricio Pochettino. I feel that it is a gamble worth taking for United because of how his Ajax side have played in recent years, with a clear identity of attacking football that will lift bums off seats.
On tomorrow’s trip to Goodison Park, Rangnick said: “That happens in football [big teams struggling], not only England but in other leagues. But for us again, it’s about being aware about the current situation. We still have a chance to qualify for the Champions League, but in order to do that we need to win and we definitely need to win the game tomorrow.”
I don’t mean to discredit Pochettino, who I also rate highly, but you can understand that fears from sections of United’s fanbase that he could be yesterday’s man.
Rangnick also spoke about his future role at United, saying: “As you know, we have agreed upon a contract as an advisor and we will speak about that in the next couple of week I’m pretty sure – at the latest, the end of the season. But again, my focus is on tomorrow.”