Lokomotiv Moscow chairman reacts to Ralf Rangnick to Manchester United reports

Add as preferred source on Google

Ralf Rangnick is set to leave his role at Lokomotiv Moscow to take up the interim manager position at Manchester United, The Athletic report.

Rangnick only took up a consultancy role at the Russian club in the summer.

So how has this move gone down at his club? Well, Lokomotiv do not appear to be able to stand in his way, and nor are they getting too upset about it.

Chairman of the board of directors of Lokomotiv, Alexander Plutnik, was asked about Rangnick’s potential departure. And it seems they are well prepared for the eventuality.

Plutnik told Championat: “Fears that the strategy will not be implemented in the event of Rangnick’s departure? Everything will be fine.”

Lokomotiv are in action against Lazio in the Europa League this evening, and Plutnik added the situation will become clearer afterwards, adding: “Everything after the match.”

Path appears clear for Rangnick to move to United

As a consultant with a title of head of sports and development, it was always likely Rangnick would leave Lokomotiv if a tempting managerial offer came along, and his contract would allow him to do so.

Rangnick has been working at the club since the summer, and has been able to offer his expertise over the past few months.

He also has a ‘team of specialists’ working under him at the Russian club.

They will be able to carry on Rangnick’s work and ensure the direction he has steered them on can be continued, and his advice and strategies carried out.

Lokomotiv are currently in fourth place in the Russian Premier League.

Plutnik did not deny Rangnick’s potential departure to United, or suggest he would look to block it. It seems it is full steam ahead for the German to leave Lokomotiv.

• The six worst Manchester United transfer windows ever, including one under Sir Alex Ferguson
• What Tynan Thompson’s Manchester United transfer means for academy wonderkid Noah Ajayi
• Alex Scott’s contract standoff should not prompt Man Utd mega-bid, Bryan Robson agrees
• Tynan Thompson is already being fast-tracked by Man Utd, Michael Carrick clearly rates him highly
• Marcus Rashford will have a new Man United role involving Tynan Thompson when he returns
• Michael Carrick can hand a legacy-defining debut after wonderkid sighting in latest Man Utd training
• Why Man Utd shouldn’t hesitate on Juventus’ Joshua Zirkzee interest
• Radek Vitek is about to test Ineos in a big way, they’ve cracked half of the challenge at Man Utd
• Alex Scott vs Manu Kone: Why 185-duel midfielder is the right choice to finish Man United rebuild
• Alejandro Garnacho triggered Man Utd fans with his antics last summer, it could come full circle now
• Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo’s return date to Man United pre-season training confirmed