Lokomotiv Moscow issue Rangnick statement as Man Utd appoint interim manager

Manchester United made a point of thanking Lokomotiv Moscow for their co-operation after confirming Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager.

The German had only joined the Russian club earlier this year, but has been allowed to move to Old Trafford as interim boss until the end of the season, at which point he will remain in Manchester in a consulting role.

Rangnick is due to take charge of his first United game as soon as outstanding visa issues are resolved, after Rangnick and Lokomotiv agreed to terminate his contract as head of sports and development in the Russian capital.

Lokomotiv have issued a statement on the 63-year-old's departure, which sheds some light on the significant changes he was able to implement in a short space of time.

What do you make of Man Utd's Rangnick appointment? Let us know in the comments section

Lokomotiv brought Rangnick to the club in July, saying at the time "Rangnick and his staff are faced with the task of implementing the club's new sports strategy".

The club finished third in the Russian Premier League in the 2020-21 season, as well as winning the domestic cup, and the German was expected to help the club achieve improved results both domestically and in Europe.

While the club remain outside the top two in Russia under manager Marko Nikolic, and have been eliminated from the Europa League in the group stages, the club's statement on Manchester United's new arrival credits him for making some important changes since beginning to work with Lokomotiv as a consultant in February.

"Under the leadership of Rangnick, a scout department, a block for medicine and innovation was created in the club in a short time, a system of advanced video analytics was introduced, a coaching staff was formed, high-tech information systems were launched," Lokomotiv's latest statement explains.

"The modern European system of football training, which Rangnick introduced at Lokomotiv, is not tied to personalities and will continue to work after his departure.

What did you make of Man Utd's performance at Chelsea? Rate the players below

"The club will develop in accordance with the announced long-term strategy.

"Ralf Rangnick has attracted experienced specialists to key positions and has formed a team of professionals, which will continue to patiently and consistently move in the chosen direction, the main priority of which is the development of young football players both from Russia and from other countries.

"Football club Lokomotiv thanks Ralf Rangnick for the work done. We remain in touch on the future of our club and wish Ralf every success as Manchester United head coach."

Man Utd football director John Murtough has described Rangnick as "One of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football" and the club's first choice for the interim role.

Caretaker manager Michael Carrick is one of a number of coaches expected to remain at Old Trafford, though Rangnick may bring some staff with him.

Those who joined the 63-year-old in Moscow included director of player development, medicine and innovation Jorge Ivan Martinez Renteria and technical director Thomas Zorn, though no official comment has been made regarding who will make up Rangnick's staff in Manchester.