5 things we read between the lines as Man Utd boss Rangnick speaks

Ralf Rangnick addressed the media for the first time as his reign at Manchester United gets underway.

The interim boss will be in the dugout against Crystal Palace after watching his side's 3-2 win over Arsenal in the Old Trafford stands.

But before then, the 63-year-old was officially unveiled on Friday morning to answer questions to the media.

The German was quizzed on a range of topics including the January transfer window, the style he wants to implement, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Carrick's exit.

Here are five things we read between the lines from Rangnick's first press conference as United boss.

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Permanent manager possibility

Rangnick is set to take charge until the end of the season before taking a consultancy role.

But he has hinted that he could be in the dugout for longer with claims he could be a potential candidate for a permanent manager.

The German says he could make a recommendation to the board to manage the side for an extra season if he feels it is necessary, something he did at RB Leipzig.

He said: "The people with whom I've spoken have been very clear that it is a six-month role as manager. Maybe if they ask my opinion I will make the same recommendation that I did at Leipzig that I continue as coach, but this is all hypothetical."

Rangnick didn't take long to put his name in the hat for the permanent role which shows his ambition.

He wants a long-term future at the club, whatever that might entail, and the interim role is merely a stepping stone for him.

January transfer plans

Rangnick says the January transfer focus is not his immediate focus as he gets to know the current United players.

But his assessment of United's performance against the Gunners suggests he will dip into the market as he expressed concern at United's struggles in defence and their balance across the pitch.

He said: "Yesterday we conceded two goals, we needed to score three. That was too much. Those are not the kind of games you need every day. I want to gain control of games."

"The major target for me is to bring more balance into the team. We conceded two [against Arsenal], needed three to win the game. It's just too much per game. My approach is to bring more balance, more control to the game."

"We haven't spoken about new players, it's not the time to think about new players. We have to get to know the players we have currently: the squad is definitely not too small.

"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."

It's been reported that Rangnick will be given a £100m budget in the upcoming window and has already compiled a four-man shortlist so United fans should still expect a few winter arrivals.

Reaction to Carrick exit

Michael Carrick left the club immediately after United's win over Mikel Arteta's men following his short spell as caretaker boss.

Rangnick insists he didn't want him to go and tried to persuade him to stay, but ultimately respects his decision.

The interim boss says he will lean on the experience of the current coaching staff as it is proving difficult to bring his own people to the club midway through the season.

He said: "I got to know this two days ago. Had a private conversation with him for more than an hour. I tried to persuade him to stay on board but in the end I had to accept his decision."

"I'm more than happy to work with the current coaching staff, I need their expertise for the squad. 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."

Rangnick will ultimately want his own team behind him at Old Trafford but it seems he has no choice but to work with the current crop of coaching staff with Brexit rules preventing individuals from arriving at the club with ease.

Fergie influence

Sir Alex Ferguson still has a huge influence in the boardroom since his exit as manager, most recently playing a part in Cristiano Ronaldo joining the club in the summer.

Rangnick understands why somebody with his stature would still have a big say, but is clear that he wants to take United in a new direction.

He said: "Having had Sir Alex for so many years is unique and for me, it's not that unusual that after such a long and successful spell a club needs to find a new pathway."

Rangnick will want to put his own stamp on things, as he does at all the clubs he joins. United will be no different and he will likely veer away from the likes of Ferguson.

Dealing with Ronaldo's ego

Rangnick recognises the difficulty of managing all the big-name stars in the United dressing room, but reckons he is up to the task as he experienced something similar at Schalke.

There have been claims that Ronaldo wouldn't suit the German's high pressing style of play but the former Leipzig boss dismissed the notion that the forward has to adapt to his style of play.

He said: "Of course it's a massive challenge. I have also worked with top star players at Schalke, it was a similar situation."

"You always have to adapt your style to the players you have available. Seeing Cristiano yesterday at 36, I've never seen a player that physically fit at that age. He can easily make the difference, but it's how we develop the whole team."

Rangnick's glowing review of Ronaldo proves the notion that they can't coexist together is nonsense and if anything, the German boss will try and accommodate the Portugal star.