RALF RANGNICK has spoken to the media for the first time since taking over as Manchester United manager this morning.
The German, 63, takes the reins at Old Trafford after watching from the stands during the 3-2 win over
Michael Carrick is LEAVING Manchester United after leading them to a crucial victory over Arsenal.
Ralf Rangnick has been confirmed as the new Manchester United manager until the end of the season and was watching from the stands against the Gunners.
Cristiano Ronaldo netted a brace as United overcame Mikel Arteta's side, however there were concerns as he went off injured in the closing stages.
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Follow all the latest Man Utd news, transfer and gossip from Old Trafford below…
- Etienne Fermie
KING RALF'S PALACE
Get used to this sight, Man United fans.
It's your new boss walking the corridors of Old Trafford.
Have you been impressed by his first press conference?
- Etienne Fermie
PRESSING CONCERNS
Can this be a coincidence, Man United fans?
It seems Cristiano Ronaldo DOES have the energy to press more.
- Etienne Fermie
RALF AND READY – by SunSport's Neil Custis
Ralf Rangnick wants to stay on as Manchester United manager if he is successful at Old Trafford this season.
SunSport revealed last week that despite a contract being drawn up for just six-and-a-half months as manager and then two years as a consultant he had not given up on getting the job full time.
And Rangnick confirmed: “Right now I’m fully aware they might be looking for a new manager.
“If they will then speak with me about that we will see. Maybe if they ask my opinion and everything goes well and we develop the team I might even make the same recommendation to the board that I did at Leipzig twice when I recommended it might be a good idea to keep working with me for one year.
“But this is all hypothetical. For me now it’s about winning the next games and this is the major focus.”
- Etienne Fermie
BARC-ING MAD
Manchester United are reportedly positioning themselves to snap up long-time transfer target Ousmane Dembele for FREE.
The Frenchman's contract at the Catalan giants is set to expire next June, potentially spelling an end to his injury-hit career at the club.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Dembele's agent has advised against signing a new deal with Barca.
Dembele is being fed the impression he could pick up more money elsewhere, with Premier League duo Man Utd and newly mega-rich Newcastle circling.
United are believed to have the edge in the race to sign the unpredictable winger, already positioning themselves to make a move.
But it is unclear whether an offer will be submitted in the winter transfer window.
- Etienne Fermie
'BIGGEST CLUB IN THE WORLD'
Ralf Rangnick is excited to get started at Manchester United.
He said: "We are talking about six-and-a-half months, one third of the games, and we have agreed on a two-year advisory deal. If Manchester United contacts you for such a role you cannot turn it down.
"This is one of the biggest clubs, if not the biggest club, in the world. I am excited to work with the players we have here.
"I have watched the latest games, Watford, Chelsea, Arsenal, and I also watched on TV the games against Liverpool and Manchester City.
"I am well acquainted. It's pretty obvious the team has an abundance of young, talented players and experienced players. The major target for me is to bring more balance into the team. Even yesterday we conceded two and needed three to win. We concede on average two a game and this is too much.
"I want to bring more balance and more control. Yesterday's game, for me as the future coach, they are not the games you need. I will try and bring these outstanding, talented players away from their own goal."
- Etienne Fermie
RALF'S RED DEVILS
Ralf Rangnick has explained his vision for Man United.
He said: ""It can only go game by game, step by step.
"You have to make sure you have the biggest chance to win the next game then step by step.
"Let the players follow and buy into the idea that I can offer them on how we want to play in the future.
"Pep has been at City for three years, Jurgen for five, Thomas only came in February, but in time-wise, they're a little ahead of us in the way they want to develop.
"I'm more than happy with the players we have here."
- Etienne Fermie
JANUARY BLUES
Ralf Rangnick has admitted that it will be 'difficult' to sign good players in January.
He said: ""We haven't spoken about new players.
"Now is the time to get to know the current squad in detail, the squad is definitely not too small.
"There is enough players.
"Maybe after Christmas, there will be a time to talk about possible transfers in the winter.
"In my experience, winter is not the time for sustainable transfers. It will be difficult in the winter."
- Etienne Fermie
MIKE DROP
Ralf Rangnick has admitted that he tried to convince Michael Carrick to stay on at Man United.
He said: ""Michael, I got to know this two days ago.
"I met with Michael and Kieran, I had a long private conversation for more than an hour.
"I tried to convince him to stay, in the end, I had to accept that.
"I'm more than happy to work with the current coaching staff, I need their expertise.
"I will try to find two or three people that will join us in the coming weeks, but due to Brexit, it's not that easy."
- Etienne Fermie
FERGIE TIME
Ralf Rangnick has offered his thoughts on Man United's lack of success in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson years.
He said: ""It's not unusual that after along. successful spell, the club needs to find a new pathway.
"The club has had no continuity in signing new players and sticking to the DNA of the club.
"In the future, the board members and my self have the same opinion. It's important not to have many changes in management."
Ralf Rangnick was in attendance at last night's matchCredit: AFP
- Etienne Fermie
KING RALF
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick hasn't ruled out staying on as Manchester United manager beyond the end of the season.
He said: "The people with whom I've spoken with, they have been very clear that it is a six-month role.
"We have never spoken about what will happen in the summer. If they will speak about me with that, we will see.
"If they ask me about my opinion, I might make the same recommendation that I did at RB Leipzig twice, that it might be better to work with me for one year."
- Etienne Fermie
THREE NOT EASY
Ralf Rangnick has admitted that it will be difficult to chase down the Premier League's top three.
He said: ""It's about winning games and, in the end, I'm very ambitious.
"We want to make the most successful season that is possible.
"Right now, we have to be realistic.
"The difference between us and the top three is big. But let's see."
- Etienne Fermie
'JUST TOO MUCH'
New Man United boss Ralf Rangnick wants to bring more 'balance' to the team.
He said: ""The major target for me is just to bring more balance to the team.
"We conceded two goals yesterday and if you look at the total of number of goals conceded, it is on average of two a game. That is just too much.
"Those are not the kind of games you need every day.
"In football to me, it's to minimise the coincidence factor."
- Etienne Fermie
RANGNICK SPEAKS
Ralf Rangnick has explained why he joined Man United after rejecting Chelsea last season.
He said: ""At the time, when Chelsea contacted me, they only talked about the option to become interim manager for four months.
"We're talking about six and a half months [at United] and we also have a two-year advisory role.
"If Manchester United contact you for such role then you can't turn it down."
- Etienne Fermie
RON OF THE BEST
Outgoing Man United caretaker manager Michael Carrick hailed the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese's two-goal haul last night.
He said: "I just think seeing how he goes about his business, his mentality, attitude and obviously quality.
"To score so many goals, it's incredible. He's been terrific this week, especially for me, the things I've asked of him and the way he's gone about his business around the players.
"He's been absolutely top, top drawer. So it's no surprise he scores again tonight, it's the perfect ending really."
- Etienne Fermie
CAR BLIMEY
Michael Carrick has admitted that Man United stars were 'shocked' when he told them he was leaving after last night's game.
He said: "“I just told them about five minutes ago.
"[They were a] Bit shocked yeah, bit surprised, a little bit emotional in the changing room to be honest but I kind of expected that.
"I held it together just about but yeah, it’s not been easy to keep it away from people, I must admit over the last few days.
"But I had a job to do you know and I was desperate to win the game for the club and for the fans and for the players so I’m not the important one here."
- Etienne Fermie
SOL DESTROYING
Michael Carrick admitted that 'loyalty to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer' was part of the reason he decided to leave Man United.
Quizzed if the Norwegian's departure was a factor, he said: "A little bit yeah, of course it was because I owe Ole an awful lot.
"There’s a lot of things that have come into my decision it wasn’t an easy one and I just said to the players and the staff the way we’ve worked together – good, good people in there.
"Sometimes, you get what you deserve, sometimes you don’t. I’ve worked so hard to try and bring some success here in recent years.
"It’s hard to take, when you don’t quite get to them heights, but great times, great memories.
"I'm proud of the players over the last three games and, tonight, they gave everything and in some ways, it was the perfect night, but it’s not about me it’s about the players and the club."
Michael Carrick felt loyalty to Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Reuters - Etienne Fermie
CAV A LOOK AT THAT
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani wants to join Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports.
The Uruguayan, 34, has been blighted by injuries this season.
According to The Times, he he wants to depart Old Trafford when his contract expires in six months… to join Catalan giants Barca.
Cavani scored 17 goals last year during an impressive debut season in England, but has managed just one in eight outings this term.
- Etienne Fermie
BOTTOM THIERR
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry likened David de Gea to an 11-year-old after the Spaniard stayed down while Emile Smith Rowe put the Gunners 1-0 up at Old Trafford last night.
The Frenchman said: "The last time I saw that was when I was 11 and my goalkeeper went to have a sandwich and left his goal – and then we were 1-0 down."
Fortunately for De Gea, United went on to win 3-2.
- Etienne Fermie
SHEAR INEPTITUDE
David de Gea has been slammed for going down too easily in Manchester United's Premier League win over Arsenal.
The Spanish stopper went to ground in the 13th minute of Thursday night's 3-2 victory over the Gunners after team-mate Fred accidentally stood on the back of his foot.
Emile Smith Rowe's long-range effort whizzed past the crocked De Gea to give Arsenal the lead, although the Spaniard was back to his feet a few moments later.
And Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes the 31-year-old made a meal of the contact, saying: "I didn't see or hear the referee blow. I didn't see or hear a serious foul on the goalkeeper and it's only that his own player stands on him.
"I don't think I'm being too harsh here, but I don't think the game has changed that much. That happens in every game, someone standing on your foot or ankle.
"With him going down like that, not a care to where the ball is, yes they hurt. But I'm not sure he should be staying down like that. He's up on his feet a minute later anyway, so it couldn't have hurt that much.
"There's an argument, if there would've been a serious injury and he couldn't carry on and had to be stretchered off, then there's an argument in terms of fairness of play if Arsenal should've let Man Utd score.
"But he's up on his feet a moment later. He's walking around, he's not limping. I think you get them in every game."
- Etienne Fermie
CARR BLIMEY
Outgoing Manchester United legend Michael Carrick explained his decision to leave the club after guiding them to a 3-2 victory over Arsenal.
He said: "It wasn’t an easy decision by any stretch. Anyone that knows me knows how much I love the club.
"When you’re here you’ve got to dedicate everything and my life has revolved around this place for so long.
"I did promise my family when I finished playing we’d have some time to spend together and that never happened because I jumped into the coaching role.
"As things pan out, things happen for a reason and it felt natural to make that decision. It wasn’t easy but I’m not going anywhere.
"I’ll still be around supporting the boys here and away. My son’s desperate to go to the away days, supporting the boys.
"I’ve told them I’m doing that and I’ll be supporting them. But yeah it’s the right thing to do for me and my family."
- Chisanga Malata
MORNING, UNITED FANS
Michael Carrick rocked United by departing – after Cristiano Ronaldo did the same to Arsenal by scoring twice.
Stand-in boss Carrick sensationally quit Old Trafford after 15 years as a player and coach as new interim boss Ralf Rangnick watched the 3-2 comeback win over Arsenal.
Recalled Ron's second-half double made him the first modern player past 800 goals for club and country as he put the counter-attacking Red Devils seventh.
Emile Smith Rowe's controversial Arsenal opener as United keeper David de Gea lay injured was cancelled out by Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo then struck two sweet goals, including a penalty clincher, either side of Martin Odegaard's reply.
Ex-England midfielder Carrick, 40, said: “My time at this great club will always rank as the best years of my career.
“When I first signed, I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined winning so many trophies and I will certainly never forget the fantastic memories both as a player and as a member of the coaching team.
“However, after a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave the club."
Finally, wing legend Robert Pires has sensationally revealed he was to blame for Arsenal team-mate Patrick Vieira's infamous tunnel scrap with Red Devils' rival Roy Keane in 2005.
Transfer-wise, United's West Ham target Jesse Lingard is now being linked with Newcastle.
And Inter and AC Milan both reportedly want Alex Telles, but it's claimed the Red Devils won't offload the Brazil left-back in January.
- Ian Tuckey
PITCH INVADER SLAM SUNK
A pitch invader was slammed to the ground by security during Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Arsenal.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co watched on in astonishment as the supporter charged the field late on in the Old Trafford clash.
The person managed to make it all the way up to Ronaldo as United attempted to keep the Gunners at bay from a corner.
However, the pitch invader couldn’t make it all the way to Ronnie and his team-mates.
As the person approached the players, security finally caught up with them.
And they were hurled to the ground with a move more akin to a rugby field.
The crowd cheered as security then dragged the pitch invader off with just minutes left in the game.
And there was very soon a louder roar as United secured a pivotal win over Mikel Arteta’s men.
- Ian Tuckey
EVRA HAILS OUTGOING CARRICK
Former United left-back Patrice Evra reckons Michael Carrick has set incoming interim boss Ralf Rangnick up well – despite deciding to quit the club.
Evra told Amazon prime: "Michael Carrick did very well.
"Everybody was waiting for Ralf Rangnick to be the saviour – now he has the team and it is time to deliver."
- Ian Tuckey
REST OF THE UTD RATINGS
Cristiano Ronaldo – 8
Yet another big contribution from Ronny – two more crucial goals to make it 801 for club and country. If he’s a problem for Rangnick then surely it’s a good one.
Subs
Jesse Lingard (for Rashford, 79) – 5
Anthony Martial (for Ronaldo, 90) – 5
Donny van de Beek (for Fernandes, 90) – 5
- Ian Tuckey
UTD RATINGS CONTINUED
Scott McTominay – 6
Broke up plenty of Arsenal attacks and tried to keep it simple. Provides protection for the back four alongside Fred.
Jadon Sancho – 7
Handed another start and took a long time to get into the game but played a key part in pulling United level and the build up to the pen.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Rounded off a well worked move for the equaliser to mark his 100th appearance for United. Much more like the Bruno of last season. Linking up play.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Quiet in the first half but made his mark by teeing up Ronaldo to put United ahead – made way for Lingard late on and still has not played 90 minutes this season.
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