Rangnick's Smith Rowe comments hint at what he expects from Man Utd youngsters

Ralf Rangnick's comments on Arsenal 's Emile Smith Rowe have hinted at his expectations of his new Manchester United youngsters.

The German was officially appointed as interim manager of the Red Devils on Monday and takes over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after he was sacked following a recent defeat to Watford.

The 63-year-old will be in charge at Old Trafford until the end of the season before stepping into a two-year consultancy role at the club.

Rangnick arrives from Russian outfit Lokomotiv Moscow, where he held the position of head of sports and management development, but his most recent coaching experience was during two stints at RB Leipzig.

And it was at the bankrolled Bundesliga club that Rangnick came face-to-face with a certain Emile Smith Rowe, who he is set to be reunited with on Thursday as he prepares to welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford for his first game at the United helm.

Leipzig took the England star on loan for the second half of the 2018-19 season, but persistent injuries meant the 18-year-old only managed three substitute appearances during his time in Germany.

Despite limited gametime, the Arsenal starlet clearly made an impression on Rangnick, as his comments from back in 2019 hint at what Manchester United's youngsters can expect from their new manager.

"Emile Smith Rowe will more than likely be in the squad for the first time. He's trained all week and gives us another option", Rangnick said in April 2019.

"He's shown in training why we took him on loan. He's got a brilliant mixture of good physique, speed and an unbelievably good shooting technique.

"If the game allows it, it's possible that we'll bring him on."

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So impressed was Rangnick by the versatile midfielder that Leipzig attempted to bring him back for a second loan spell, but Smith Rowe eventually gained further first-team experience with Championship side Huddersfield.

Since then, his career has skyrocketed. The now 21-year-old has established himself as a key component in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side and his fine performances were rewarded with a recent England call-up.

Smith Rowe netted his first strike for the Three Lions in a 10-0 win over San Marino earlier this month, adding to his five club goals already this term.

Despite his admiration for the young England star, Rangnick will be hoping Smith Rowe doesn't add to his goal haul on Thursday as he aims to begin his United era with a win.

If the German's previous comments are anything to go by, United's youngsters will need to prove their worth in training in order to earn Rangnick's trust.

"I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season," 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."

The Red Devils are currently down in 8th place in the Premier League standings having one mustered one win in their previous eight outings, while the Gunners currently sit in 5th, seven points adrift of table-toppers Chelsea.