Ralf Rangnick has agreed to become Austria’s head coach, with the Manchester United interim manager to continue as a consultant to the club.
The 63-year-old could be confirmed in the Austria role this week. After United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, he was asked about taking charge of their national team.
“I’d like to speak tonight about Man United and our game and the rest of the season. I can definitely confirm that I will continue at the end of this season with my consultancy role,” said Rangnick.
“I wouldn’t say I would be a big part moving forward, but we have agreed on the content and time of my consultancy role though as I have said I haven’t spoken to Erik [ten Hag, the incoming manager] yet. I’m more than happy and willing to help and change things for the better.
“It would leave space for another job but that was what we agreed when I started the job in November. Tonight is the Chelsea game and let us speak about that.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 23rd goal of the season cancelled out Marcos Alsono’s opener. While Chelsea now have 66 points after 33 games and are third, six points ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal, United are sixth with 55, five behind the Gunners.
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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.