Ralf Rangnick has been granted his work permit, allowing the German to finally begin work as Manchester United’s interim manager.
Rangnick was confirmed as Solskjaer’s replacement on Monday as he entered into a temporary deal with United until the end of the season before taking on a two-year consultancy. The interim coach flew into the UK on Monday night, ahead of stricter Covid restrictions coming into place hours later, and is believed to be staying at a Manchester hotel.
However, even after self-isolation, issues securing a work permit meant he could not take training this week hence missed the dugout against Arsenal. It is understood Rangnick did not meet the FA’s criteria for a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE). This is because he had not managed a top-flight club in Europe for long enough in the last five years — either two years consecutively or three years cumulatively.
Although Rangnick twice took charge of RB Leipzig in the 2015-16 and 2018-19 seasons while also working as the club’s director of football, that was not enough to qualify automatically for a GBE.
Hence, the 63-year-old had to convince an FA panel chaired by a legal professional and two other figures with a background in football of his managerial credentials in order to secure a work permit this week.
Fortunately, the German coach has been granted his work permit. He will therefore hold his first press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s home match with Crystal Palace. This will mark his first match in charge as United manager.
Also, he will be allowed to bring in a small number of the coaching staff, although his trusted video analyst Lars Kornetka is staying at Lokomotiv Moscow to replace him as director of sports and development.