Manchester United’s interim manager is currently awaiting a vote on his visa application. His managerial record means he does not automatically qualify.
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Manchester United interim manager confirmed by Ralf Rangnick
Manchester United continues to struggle with Ralf Rangnick’s visa application. They have been reminded of the panel decision that once cost him his England job.
German manager was appointed on Monday. While some were optimistic that he will be there for Thursday’s Premier League game against Arsenal at home, others believe he may be in the dugout. But, his first game in charge of Crystal Palace will be Sunday.
Rangnick’s employment record over the last few decades has been suggested to be the reason his application now rests with an exceptions board.
The prospect of a panel decision on the future of the 63 year-old has brought back memories from when he was just beaten to the England job by a panel of independent FA members.
Rangnick has been the manager at a football club only once in the last five years. Rangnick took over RB Leipzig in 2018-19.
He is not eligible for a Governing Body endorsement. This would only be granted if he meets several criteria, such as having overall responsibility for the first team squad, holding the appropriate coaching license, and having managed a club in a. “top league” for a sufficient period of time – the latter point which is slowing down the process.
FA says that exceptions panels are composed of two people who are legally qualified, and one chair with relevant experience at a high level.
“The FA’s documentation says that the Exceptions Panel can only recommend to The FA that a Grant of Business Exemption be granted if it feels that the Manager is of the highest caliber and is able contribute significantly to developing the game at the highest level in England.”
Rangnick’s fate was already decided by a panel of three men when he applied for the England job in 2016.
He was not the only one who was being considered for a job in England. Dan Ashworth had also considered him for the West Bromwich Albion role after Roy Hodgson became manager of the national team.
And, as noted The MailThe German battle with Sam Allardyce was ended in a split decision in favour of the ex-Sunderland boss.
“Dan first contacted me in 2012 and invited me to an interview at West Brom. He offered me the job but I knew he was probably going to join the FA, so I turned it down,”Rangnick told FourFourTwo2017
“After the Euros he called me again and asked if I would come for an interview for the England job. I replied, ‘How realistic is that?’
“He said that if it was up to him it would be very realistic, but that there were some other people on the board who’d also have a say, and a few of them thought it should be an Englishman. Of course, that’s normal.
“Three days after I went for the interview, they informed me that Sam Allardyce would be taking over as manager.”
As Rangnick awaits another panel verdict on his future, he will hope history does not repeat itself.
United will no doubt point to his other roles in football over the last five years, with the manager having spent time in developmental roles with both Red Bull and Lokomotiv Moscow.
He can also point to a managerial career going back to the 1980s, including a number of stints in charge of top-flight clubs, and United will be keen to see the situation resolved as soon as possible.
For now, though, caretaker manager Michael Carrick remains in temporary charge, and will aim to prolong an unbeaten start when Arsenal come to Old Trafford.
