Eric Bailly confirms Ralf Rangnick’s arrival at Manchester United is imminent

Eric Bailly has confirmed that the Manchester United squad have been told about the imminent arrival of their new interim manager Ralf Rangnick.  

Rangnick has reached an agreement with the Red Devils to take temporary charge of the club until the end of the season, before taking up a two-year consultancy role at Old Trafford.

The 63-year-old German coach will join the Premier League giants following a successful stint at Lokomotiv Moscow as the head of sports and development. 

Speaking to RMC Sport, Bailly confirmed that the Manchester United squad had been told about Rangnick’s arrival.

The 27-year-old defender said: ‘We have been told in the dressing room about the arrival of the new manager.’

Rangnick is yet to take over at Manchester United as he has been trying to finalise his work permit. Therefore, Michael Carrick has remained at the helm. 

Carrick took charge of Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. Although, it was suggested that Rangnick had influenced their game plan. 

Rangnick has reached an agreement with the Red Devils to take temporary charge of the club

Carrick took charge of Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon

Carrick surprised Manchester United fans by announcing that Cristiano Ronaldo would be starting the game on the bench.   

Neville – who is not part of Sky Sports’ coverage for the game – tweeted that he felt the line-up was picked by incoming interim boss Rangnick. 

He posted saying: ‘A lot of people having a go at Michael Carrick for dropping Ronaldo and picking that MDF (midfield). 

‘I’ve a feeling the the incoming manager has picked that team as it’s a huge departure from midweek and what they’ve been doing.’

Carrick surprised United fans by starting Cristiano Ronaldo (above) on the bench

Gary Neville tweeted (left) he felt the line-up was picked by incoming interim boss Rangnick

However,  Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker disputed Neville’s claims suggesting there was ‘zero’ chance that Rangnick chose the team. 

Lineker responded to the former United defender by saying: ‘No chance of this being true. Zero.’  

Speaking about this team selection before the game, Carrick said: ‘A few tweaks and changes from the other night, to change things up a bit. 

‘Cristiano is probably our standout name, but it’s just game plan, ideas. I had a good chat with Cristiano actually, he was great, and we’ve decided to go like that today.’  

However, Carrick said that the decided to leave Ronaldo on the bench was due to the plan

 Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday afternoon despite taking the lead through Jadon Sancho’s goal.   

Reflecting on the game, Carrick said: ‘Disappointed actually. When you’re in front like a game to have it taken away like it was. 

‘Immensely proud of the whole group, staff and players all week in difficult situation and try and make the best of it. 

‘Tough at times and made the best out of it, proud how we’ve gone about it this week. But there’s that little feeling we came here to win the game, positive in our mindset, so a little disappointed I can’t lie.’

Carrick also suggested that Chelsea should not have had a penalty despite that fact Aaron Wan-Bissaka kicked through the back of Thiago Silva’s foot to clear the ball from the United box.  

Carrick suggested that Chelsea should not have had a penalty following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s challenge on Thiago Silva

He said: I don’t think it was a penalty at all. They’ve obviously had a lot of shots, David had two saves. Knew he would have to make one or two for us. Other than that felt comfortable in the game. 

‘Of course want to be better in terms of possession, I’m not getting carried away it was a fantastic all around performance. 

‘But we defended very well and the attitude was top from the boys. Sticking together, tracking back, we need to do the other side better but can’t fault the players one bit.’