Man Utd have already missed out on Ralf Rangnick's two ideal transfers

Manchester United are set to appoint Ralf Rangnick until the end of the season before he takes on a consultancy role.

The German's stock is incredibly high throughout Europe and he will succeed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the coming months.

Rangnick will be tasked with arresting United's slide down the table and ensuring they finish in the top four.

Major investment was made in the summer, but it has been unable to manifest itself on the pitch thus far.

Raphael Varane was one of three major arrivals having signed from Real Madrid, but conceding goals remains an issue.

United have a negative goal difference after 12 games and Rangnick will need to rally the backline.

At the heart of defence he has the likes of Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof to pick from.

But if Rangnick's past comments are anything to go by United may have missed out on several players he would've signed.

It is unclear how much say he will have over transfers and recruitment come January, but has played a leading role previously at RB Leipzig.

The Bundesliga club have excelled in the past decade and made a habit of signing young unknown players before developing them into major players.

Naby Keita and Timo Werner both flourished in the Red Bull environment - as did defensive pair Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate.

The latter signed for Liverpool for £36m whilst the other moved to Bayern Munich.

Upamecano especially attracted plenty of attention from Europe's leading lights, and Rangnick's feelings on the duo were obvious.

Journalist Guido Schafer told the Liverpool Echo : "Liverpool were in contact for many months. Klopp asked Ralf Rangnick a couple of years ago: 'who is the better player: Dayot Upamecano or Konate?

"Rangnick told Jurgen 'When you are able to buy both, buy both'."

United's lack of clean sheets has been a major issue dating back to last season.

In Solskjaer's final game they shipped four at Watford and saw Liverpool hit them for five several weeks ago.

Carrick was able to lead the team in a shut out at Villarreal and the former assistant is set to remain in charge for this weekend's game at Chelsea.

United have chopped and changed between playing four or five at the back as they seek a solution in defence.

Some have also questioned the quality of those in central midfield, suggesting their is a lack of protection whilst the team's general pressing has also been criticised.