A heavy 4-1 defeat against Watford ended Ole’s reign at the club. Since then Michael Carrick was given the caretaker responsibility.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might have departed Manchester United, but the Norwegian did his best to help the current interim manager get an idea about the team. Ralf Rangnick has revealed that he spoke at length with Solskjaer to get an insight into the current United squad. The German coach, who was unveiled to the media on Friday morning, will take charge of his first game as United manager on Sunday at home to Crystal Palace. Prior to it, Solskjaer was in charge of the club for a little under three years. A heavy 4-1 defeat against Watford ended Ole’s reign at the club. Since then Michael Carrick was given the caretaker responsibility. Under Carrick, United beat Villarreal in the Champions League, got a crucial point at Chelsea in the Premier League before beating Arsenal 3-2.
Rangnick informed that he sought the Norwegian’s assistance before the Chelsea match and called Ole “generous” for taking his time to talk with him. “I spoke with Ole last Sunday before the game against Chelsea for almost two hours,” Rangnick told reporters at Old Trafford, as per their club’s website. “He was very generous to spend, as I said, [more than] one-and-a-half hours on the phone with me, telling all his inside details about the team.”
? Ralf has revealed he spoke with our former manager ahead of joining the Reds… ?#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 3, 2021
Rangnick also revealed that he tried his best to “convince” Michael Carrick to stay at the club. In his first press conference as United boss ahead of his maiden game in charge, the 63-year-old stated that he spoke with the former United midfielder at length. Rangnick, as quoted by Sky Sports, said: “I had a conversation with Michael for more than an hour and tried to convince him [to stay], but he needed a break and I understand his decision.”
“I am more than happy to work with the current staff because I need their expertise on the current squad. I will try and find one, two, maybe three people to help us. But due to Brexit, it’s not that easy. Many of my former colleagues are in long-term contracts with other clubs so we have to be smart.”
Since it was his first press conference after being unveiled by Manchester United, Rangnick was asked a wide variety of questions. Asked whether United have the quality to challenge for the major honours, the 63-year-old said, “It’s definitely good enough to compete. The top three teams are very good with great managers. When Jurgen [Klopp] came to Liverpool, it definitely wasn’t a better squad than what I have at United.”
Rangnick was asked about where he hopes the club will be in the future. He replied: “Well, in the ideal world, we will not only be in the top four regularly but also playing for titles. This is also something that is in the DNA of the club, winning leagues, winning cups, being as successful as you can be in the Champions League.”
“This is also an issue for the new year; we’re still in the Champions League and depending on the draw, hopefully can get further in that competition and in two-and-a-half years, I think the DNA of the club is clearer, you have to be as successful as you can be.”
