Ralf Rangnick has been confirmed as Manchester United’s interim manager until the end of the season.
Rangnick will stay on at United and work as a consultant, and during his time as interim boss, he will help pave the way for a permanent manager.
The German’s unique skill set makes him the ideal man to transition United into a new era.
And while we are just welcoming Rangnick to Old Trafford, there is naturally an eye on the future too.
Here is a look at the three top contenders to be Manchester United’s next permanent manager…
Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino appeared to be in contention to take on the United job right away at one stage last week, with The Mail reporting he was keen to do so.
The Argentine’s contract with PSG made it tricky to do a deal at this time, and United can take their time and assess whether he is the right man for the job.
Pochettino led Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019 and is on course to win the Ligue 1 title with PSG this season.
United’s squad is made up of several players Pochettino has either tried to sign before, or is on record praising.
His previous work in the Premier League gives him an edge over the following two highly qualified candidates.
Erik Ten Hag
Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag is one of the most wanted managers in Europe right now and has an arguably higher upside than Pochettino.
Ten Hag can help United completely remodel the club over the many years to come.
Rangnick’s arrival adds to the stability at United, and this is likely to help entice Ten Hag to be persuaded to leave Ajax for Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s Ajax have conceded only two goals in 14 Eredivisie games this season, while scoring 43 goals.
Julian Nagelsmann
The wildcard option is Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, who previously worked under Rangnick at RB Leipzig.
Nagelsmann may be at Bayern, but the German club are known for their rapid turnover of managers.
A disappointing Champions League knockout campaign could see Nagelsmann come under pressure, and start considering his options.
United’s decision to wait until the summer could pay off if Nagelsmann becomes available.
His previous synchronicity under Rangnick could be a winning combination for United, and make him the ideal candidate to carry on the interim boss’ work.
- Donald Trump will be at World Cup final, but US president’s Man Utd ‘connection’ is deeper than some might think
- Analysing how Marcus Rashford performed in England’s 6-4 win over France
- Lisandro Martinez has never taken penalty in his whole career, but this is what he could do in World Cup final
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have once again been vindicated with major Man Utd call, despite Wrexham defeat
- 14 things I liked and disliked from Man Utd vs Wrexham pre-season opener
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
