Ralf Rangnick's first Man Utd game with boss set to miss Chelsea clash

Potential new Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is set to be in the Old Trafford dugout for the first time next Thursday night as his new side host Arsenal in the Premier League.

United are poised to appoint the experienced German coach on a contract until the end of the current campaign with the option of a further two-year consultancy role at the club.

A host of managers have been linked to the coaching vacancy at United following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but Rangnick is now on the verge of filling the role for the remainder of the season.

The Red Devils next face Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but it is not believed that Rangnick's work permit will be processed in time for him to oversee that encounter.

The German is unlikely therefore to be at the helm for the trip to West London but is likely to be in charge for a run of fixtures which, on paper at least, appear to be more favourable for a strong start.

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United's clash with Arsenal starts a run of three matches at Old Trafford - which will then welcome Crystal Palace and Young Boys in the Premier League and Champions League respectively - before a trip to relegation-threatened Norwich City.

Rangnick's side will then face a busy Christmas schedule which includes trips to Brentford and Newcastle alongside home games against Brighton, Burnley and Wolves.

The deal for United to appoint the German is subject to Lokomotiv Moscow - where the German is currently heading sports and development - granting Rangnick's release, something United bosses do not anticipate to be a problem.

According to the Athletic, at the end of the campaign, the German will take on a consultancy role, with that contract stretching a further two years.

United had approached Paris Saint-Germain regarding Mauricio Pochettino's availability but United may not be able to appoint the Argentine the middle of the season, forcing them to assess other options.

On Tuesday, Michael Carrick oversaw an impressive two-goal victory for Manchester United at Villarreal to seal their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

The former central midfielder is also set to be at the helm for United's trip to Chelsea on Sunday, where they are hopeful of halting their alarming domestic run of result which has seen them win just four points from their last seven matches.

Carrick was part of the coaching staff at Old Trafford under Solskjaer and is taking charge of first-team affairs until the next managerial appointment is confirmed by the club.

It remains unclear if Carrick and United's other coaching staff - including Mike Phelan and Kieran McKenna - will be retained under Rangnick's regime.