Rangnick positive next season will be better

The manager was answering questions about his thoughts on Ten Hag and his own role as a consultant next season during the second half of Wednesday’s press conference.

“I strongly believe that there is a lot of things that can become better and will become better with a new manager and hopefully with some new players, with some fresh energy in that squad,” Rangnick said.

“With this group of new players and the quality of players that are already here, together with the new manager, I am very positive that next season will be a lot better.

“I am looking forward to working in that advisory role and obviously helping Eric as much as he wants it himself.

“Obviously, I am more than willing and prepared to help both Erik and whomever in the club in order to change everything for the better.”

When fielding questions about United’s recruitment going forward, he was confident that were would be the necessary cooperation between himself, Ten Hag and the recruitment team.

“In my last two clubs, we never a signed a player without the approval of the manager and I’m pretty sure this will be the case with Erik.

“I’m also positive that Erik will make some suggestions, then together with the board, together with the scouting department and possibly myself, we will then hopefully decide the right players.”

Rangnick has not yet spoken to Ten Hag, as both are focused on their current responsibilities for the remainder of the season.

Ten Hag is nearing a third Eredivisie title with Ajax, while United are looking to finish the Premier League season strongly, with games against Chelsea, Brentford and Brighton to come over the next 10 days, before the campaign’s finale against Crystal Palace on 22 May.

“[Ten Hag’s] focus is on Ajax now and trying to win the title there, my focus for the next few weeks is on our club, on getting the best possible results.

“Whenever he has time, or would like to speak, yes I am available, but I would not want to contact him on my own account now.”

Rangnick also defended United’s medical team in the wake of several injuries to key players.

Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho have been added to the absentee list, which already contained Edinson Cavani, Fred, Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw prior to Thursday’s visit of Chelsea to Old Trafford. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a doubt for the fixture too.

“The club has a top medical department”, he said. “The medical department, including the whole staff in charge of physical training, they are top so there is nothing that needs to be put under scrutiny there.

“Obviously if we have seven on-field players missing tomorrow, this is not a good thing at this part of the season that this happens.

“It also has to be questioned why does it happen, is there any space for improvement, but it’s definitely not got anything to do with the quality of people and the motivation of the staff in that area.”