KEY POINTS

  • Ralf Rangnick will only handle Manchester United for six months
  • Rangnick will have a say on transfers and has already identified his priority signing
  • The 63-year-old is said to be focused on offloading players than signing new ones

Ralf Rangnick may have already been performing his job ahead of his Manchester United debut.

In Manchester United’s official announcement of the appointing of Rangnick as the club’s interim manager, the tactician himself revealed that he will be serving as a technical advisor when the season ends.

However, despite only being set to be in charge for six months, Rangnick reportedly has a say on the transfer decisions Manchester United will make as the season progresses.

As early as now, the so-called “Godfather of gegenpressing” already has Chelsea striker Timo Werner as his bet for the summer transfer window, per Bild’s head of football and journalist Christian Falk.

According to Falk, Rangnick, who is “close” to Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants to reach out to the Blues over the potential transfer of Werner to Manchester United.

“True, Ralf Rangnick wants to discuss a Transfer of Timo Werner to [Manchester United] in Summer. Rangnick bought Werner for [RB Leipzig] from Stuttgart and pushed his career. Rangnick is also close to [Tuchel] of [Chelsea],” Falk wrote on Twitter.

Barren run: Timo Werner has not scored in his last 13 games
Barren run: Timo Werner has not scored in his last 13 games POOL / Andy Rain

Aside from Werner, an earlier report stated that Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele is also considered as a “main” target of Manchester United.

Dembele has yet to commit to a fresh set of terms with Barcelona, despite the club’s efforts to prolong his stay at Camp Nou.

New Barca boss Xavi Hernandez has also been involved in persuading the Frenchman to renew his contract but is still unable to secure a deal.

Manchester United, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on the situation.

Though it’s a bit too early to assume, another previous report said that Rangnick will not be spending much time on identifying potential signings.

Instead, the 63-year-old will be focused on player exits.

Among the players likely to leave Old Trafford were former Ajax star Donny van de Beek and Red Devils’ second-choice shotstopper Dean Henderson.

As per the report, the pair has failed to make an impact on Manchester United, and Rangnick is expected to finally green light their departure.

Rangnick has already arrived at Old Trafford, but his official debut is still yet to be known given the club is still reportedly securing his work permit.

In the meantime, Michael Carrick will still be calling the shots for the Red Devils until further notice.

RELATED STORIES