Man Utd sweating on Rangnick visa ahead of first game in charge against Arsenal

Manchester United have acted quickly to confirm Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager, confirming the arrival of the German just eight days after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 63-year-old arrives after a short stint in a sports and development role with Lokomotiv Moscow, and United thanked the Russian side for their co-operation.

Rangnick will serve as interim manager until the end of the current campaign, before taking on a consultancy role for a further two years.

The only remaining question concerns when we'll see the 63-year-old in the dugout for the first time, after he watched from Germany as caretaker manager Michael Carrick led United to a creditable draw away to Premier League leaders Chelsea.

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In their statement announcing Rangnick's appointment, United have made reference to the appointment being "subject to work visa requirements".

"Michael Carrick will remain in charge of the first team until Ralf's work visa is finalised," the statement reads, with the caretaker having been in charge for the last two games against Villarreal and Chelsea.

United have a busy December ahead of them, starting with two matches in the next seven days, and will hope their new interim boss is available as soon as possible.

Much will rest on the speed of the visa process, with United set to find out whether everything will be in place in time for Rangnick to take charge for Thursday's Premier League match at home to Arsenal.

Failing that, there is a chance the former Schalke and Hoffenheim boss will make his bow on Sunday when United play host to Crystal Palace.

The announcement of Rangnick's appointment comes with United sitting eighth in the Premier League, five points behind Thursday's opponents and 12 off the summit.

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"I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season for the club," Rangnick said following his appointment.

"The squad is full of talent and has a great balance of youth and experience.

"All my efforts for the next six months will be on helping these players fulfil their potential, both individually and, most importantly, as a team."

Pundit Jamie Carragher suggested members of United's squad would be on audition for Sunday's game against Chelsea, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The result kept United unbeaten under Carrick, who is due to stay on as a coach after handing the reins over to the new manager.