(Football news) Ralf Rangnick has been appointed as new manager of the Austrian national team but will also remain in his consultancy role with Manchester United after the end of the season. The 63 year old replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager until the summer with a consultancy role for two more years. The club has recently announced that Ajax’s Erik ten Hag will be taking over as permanent manager after the end of the season and the Dutch manager certainly has a job on his hands to transform the fortunes of the club.

It’s fair to say that Rangnick’s interim appointment hasn’t been as successful as the Manchester United hierarchy may have hoped, with the club currently sixth in the Premier League, five points behind fourth place Arsenal who have played two games less. Rangnick’s consultancy role beyond the ongoing season will mean that the German will have six working days a month, which means Rangnick could balance the two roles quite comfortably. 

Speaking after the match against Chelsea, Rangnick said “What I can tell you and confirm is I will definitely continue with my consultancy role at the end of the season and for the next two years. I'm very much looking forward to it. We haven't spoken, Erik and myself, we've spoken with the board about the contract and the profile of the job, the content of the consultancy role. That's why I can confirm I will continue at the end of the season.” 

Rangnick has agreed a two year deal with the Austria national team and released a statement by saying “I will take over as national team manager of Austria at the end of the season but will continue my consultancy with Manchester United. I’m really looking forward to playing my part in helping United become a real force again.” The German has extensive experience of Austrian football from his time as Director of Red Bull Salzburg. The Austrian national team have been on a lookout for a new manager since Franco Foda resigned following the team’s 2-0 defeat to Wales earlier this month. 

Also read: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp signs contract extension until 2026