MANCHESTER: Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick said he has no regrets about taking the Old Trafford job but the German is not happy with what his team has achieved so far.
United have won three of their last 12 matches in all competitions and are seventh in the Premier League standings, six points off fourth place and the final Champions League spot with seven games left.
Rangnick joined United on an interim basis in November following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has led the team to nine wins in his 22 matches in charge so far.
“No, no regrets whatsoever,” he told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home league game against Norwich City. “I would do it over and over again. I don’t regret that at all.”
Rangnick, 63, will be interim manager until the end of the season before taking up a consultancy role with the club for a further two years.
United are searching for a permanent manager, with British media reporting that Ajax Amsterdam boss Erik ten Hag is the likely candidate for the top job.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo could lead a Manchester United revolution under new manager Erik ten Hag, according to reports. The Portuguese forward’s future has been the subject of much speculation amid concerns he may not suit Ten Hag’s high pressing system.
The Dutch coach is closing in on becoming the permanent manager at Old Trafford after reaching a verbal agreement with the club.
But according to The Mirror, Ronaldo is very much in Ten Hag’s plans to rebuild the team.
In the same way he brought Dusan Tadic into the Ajax set-up in 2018, Ten Hag is reportedly keen to incorporate Ronaldo’s experience into the side.
A Dutch football insider said: “Ten Hag likes to have some experience to help his young players - on and off the pitch.
“Every player has a role in his team and if they don’t do their job then they don’t get picked. But Ten Hag doesn’t want 11 robots. He likes to have personalities in the dressing room who will lead by example.
“He likes to have a player who can help him shape talented young players, showing them how to train properly, how to eat properly and how they live the life of a professional footballer.
“That’s why it’s too simplistic to say that Ronaldo will leave United if Ten Hag becomes manager.
“He made Tadic his captain because he was a great role model. Is there a better role model in the game than Cristiano Ronaldo in the way he trains and the standards he sets and expects?
“Maybe Ten Hag will look to Ronaldo to help him rebuild United.”
Ronaldo has scored 18 goals in 33 appearances since returning to Man Utd last summer.
Yet despite showing he is still ice cool in front of goal, the team have gone backwards in their attempts to challenge for the Premier League title.
After a second place finish last season without Ronaldo, they are currently languishing down in seventh, six points adrift of a Champions League place.
