Jump directly to the content

There are barely enough hours in the day for Ralf Rangnick to answer all the lingering questions over Manchester United, never mind a press conference.

Besides the club's recent 4-0 hammering at Liverpool and faltering top-four challenge, the Red Devils are even more concerned with off-the-field developments.

Rangnick addressed a host of topics at his press conference on Friday
3
Rangnick addressed a host of topics at his press conference on FridayCredit: Getty

First of all, Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has been confirmed as the next permanent boss of United - and Rangnick, who will become a director at the end of the season, gave his reaction.

"We don't know each other in person, we haven't met as yet in person," Rangnick said of Ten Hag.

"But from what I've seen him doing both at Bayern Munich when he was the Under-23 coach and at Ajax now, I like his football.

"I am pretty positive with a full pre-season, with having a chance to build and mould his own staff, also a new team, which is obvious - we will have a new team.

"With a full pre-season, I am pretty sure we will see a different team and an improvement on the pitch.

"I knew that Erik was one of the candidates the board spoke to.

Ten Hag will hope to restore the club back to their former glories
3
Ten Hag will hope to restore the club back to their former gloriesCredit: Instagram - @manchesterunited

"Obviously I told them, at least from what I have seen and known from people who had worked with Erik, that I think he would be a good choice.

"I still believe that he is a very good choice. And all the other things, we haven't had time so far to speak about."

Meanwhile, Paul Pogba is likely to miss the rest of the season with injury, which Rangnick suggested could spell the end of his Old Trafford career.

But there was some positive news on the injury front, with Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay available for the must-win clash with Arsenal on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo is also available after taking compassionate leave for the death of his new-born son, while Harry Maguire is expected to feature after a bomb scare at his house on Thursday.

Reacting to Maguire's recent ordeal, Rangnick said: "I haven't seen him because I only got to know about this terrible, terrible thing yesterday afternoon. Since then I haven't been able to speak with him.

Police took the threat against Maguire and his family very seriously
3
Police took the threat against Maguire and his family very seriouslyCredit: Getty

"But again this is another bad sign of the crazy world we're living in.

"Obviously I feel very sorry for Harry that he had that terrible experience, but he knows that we're all behind him - the club, everybody, the players, his team-mates. It's sad enough that crazy things like that happen."

London Calling

What a Saturday we have lined up.

First up in the capital city is Arsenal vs Manchester United live on talkSPORT, with the visitors possibly boosted by the announcement of Erik ten Hag being named the permanent manager.

Then it's off to Wembley for Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte from 7pm where the two heavyweights are fighting for the WBC title.

12:30: Arsenal vs Man United - talkSPORT

7pm: Live from Wembley ahead of Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte

Betting Offer Of The Day

Both 888sport offers - take your pick

Get 6/1 Fury to win or 33/1 Whyte (£5 max bet) -

Get 10/1 Arsenal to win or 20/1 Man U (£5 max bet) -

Deposit min £/$/€10 using promo code 888ODDS • Bet up to £/$/€5 on your selection at normal odds in the regular market • If your selection wins, we’ll pay you out at the normal price and any extra winnings from the advertised enhanced price will be paid to you in Free Bets • Free Bets are granted within 72 hours and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes are not included in returns • Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time • Restrictions apply to withdrawals, payment methods and countries & Full T&C’s apply

Topics
cricket exchange