Ralf confirms Ten Hag contact

Ahead of our upcoming clash against the Eagles, Rangnick spoke to the media, revealing that he and Ten Hag have exchanged messages in advance of the weekend date in the capital.

He said: "We've been in contact via WhatsApp and hopefully we'll have the opportunity to meet and speak in person, either over the weekend or on Monday morning at the latest. I'm looking forward to speaking with him in person and getting to know him in person."

Ten Hag managed Ajax for the final time last Sunday, with the Eredivisie champions drawing 2-2 away to Vitesse Arnhem.

Ajax had already confirmed their retention of the Eredivisie title four days earlier, emphatically dispatching Heerenveen 5-0.

Ahead of Ten Hag's arrival at Old Trafford, Rangnick believes that the Dutchman's managerial pedigree bodes well for the future of the club.

"I still strongly believe that there are a core of players that are top, that are well worth and good enough to play for this club and, hopefully, most of those players will still be here next season. If the board, Erik, the scouting department will help them with all the issues that I can bring in to help them."

This summer will be one of change at United, and already the rumour mill is in full swing. Inevitably, a whole host of names have been linked with moves to Manchester in recent months, but Rangnick reiterated the need to recruit effectively.

He said: "If we bring in the right mentality players, the right quality players, I'm positive that we can not only bring this club back on track, but back to the top and this is what it's all about in the next couple of weeks.

"Maybe, it will not happen and be possible in one transfer window, but I'm very positive that it can happen in the next two or three windows."

United travel to Palace on Sunday knowing that a win would confirm our Europa League place for next season.

David Moyes's West Ham currently trail the Reds by two points ahead of the final day, with the Hammers facing a trip to buoyant Brighton & Hove Albion.

Regardless of the result, United will be playing European football next season, something that Ten Hag is familiar with, given his exploits in the Champions League with Ajax.

The Dutchman will take over the reins at Old Trafford from the end of the season, and Rangnick is looking forward to collaborating with the three-time Eredivisie champion.