Ralf Rangnick has been confirmed as Manchester United’s interim manager until the end of the season.

The 63-year-old German left his role as director of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United on a six-month contract until the end of May.

Rangnick will stay on at Old Trafford in a consultancy role for a further two years. It’s also possible that he could land the manager’s job on a permanent basis if he is able to turn things around at the club. 

United announced the news on Monday, saying: ‘Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager until the end of the season, subject to work visa requirements. Following this period, Ralf and the club have agreed that he will continue in a consultancy role for a further two years.

‘Michael Carrick will remain in charge of the first team until Ralf’s work visa is finalised. The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Lokomotiv Moscow for their co-operation in the process of bringing Ralf to Manchester United.’

Rangnick spoke for the first time about his move to Old Trafford, saying: ‘I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season for the club. The squad is full of talent and has a great balance of youth and experience.

‘All my efforts for the next six months will be on helping these players fulfil their potential, both individually and, most importantly, as a team. Beyond that I look forward to supporting the club’s longer-term goals on a consultancy basis.’ 

United’s football director John Murtough added: ‘Ralf is one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football. He was our number one candidate for Interim Manager, reflecting the invaluable leadership and technical skills he will bring from almost four decades of experience in management and coaching. 

‘Everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him during the season ahead, and then for a further two years in his advisory role.’