Eric Cantona "announces himself" as the next Man Utd manager

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has announced himself as the club's new manager in a blunt message - despite Ralf Rangnick being on the verge of getting the job.

The Frenchman, who played for the Red Devils between 1992 and 1997, revealed his alleged appointment on Instagram on Thursday.

United are looking for an interim manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday.

The club's hierarchy relieved the Norwegian of his duties after winning just one of their last seven Premier League games.

However, Rangnick will now be appointed the club's interim boss until the end of the season before moving into a two-year consultancy role.

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Cantona hasn't managed a top-flight side since hanging up his boots more than 24 years ago.

Despite Rangnick's rumoured appointment, he's told United supporters he's returning to Old Trafford to lead the team in their hour of need.

"Hello my friends," said Cantona. "I would like to tell you in exclusivity that I am the new manager of Manchester United.

"I will tell you later the name of my great staff. See you soon."

Cantona is one of the greatest players in the club's history, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Community Shield three times.

He also won a host individual honours, including the PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards.

Michael Carrick is United's current caretaker manager, winning his first game against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The ex-midfielder's first Premier League game in charge will be against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Fellow United legend Peter Schmeichel backed Steve Bruce to become United's interim manager before news of Rangnick's rumoured appointment broke.

Bruce, who made more than 400 appearances for the Red Devils between 1988 and 1996, is currently out of work after leaving Newcastle.

"If it is an interim, get somebody who knows the club," said Schmeichel. "Get somebody who is known by the club as well.

"Somebody like Steve Bruce, that would be fantastic... I would love to have somebody who comes in now to put pressure on the players.

"A new voice, get them out there performing. Without making massive changes in style, or system. You have to take small steps, you can't just jump straight in and say we are going to play a pressing game.

"You can't do that, the first thing you have to do is give confidence to everybody in the team."

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, is the favourite to become United's new permanent manager.

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has urged him to take the job and escape the pressure of managing Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

"Pochettino has to get out of the club [PSG]," said Carragher. "If he has the chance to go to Manchester United. I would be gone tomorrow and it's because of those three stars."