Various reports suggest Manchester United has temporarily parked the search for a new permanent manager as the club's hierarchy has been impressed with Ralf Rangnick's solid start to life at Old Trafford.
In addition, speaking to United on My Mind's editor Mike Parrott, German football expert Florian Plettenberg believes Rangnick isn't planning his time at United on just a six-month basis.
"I think that he could imagine himself becoming the manager," stated Plettenberg. "I don't believe that he will become a supervisor or someone in the second or third row at Manchester United. I can't believe that because I know that life is very efficient and if you have that chance, what he has right now, you don't give it up so easily."
Even if Rangnick does have his eye on the managerial role, there are several reasons why Rangnick taking over permanently should be avoided at all costs.
Cast your mind back to December 2018. Jose Mourinho was sacked, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had taken over on an interim basis. Three months later, having won 14 out of 19 games, Solskjaer was rewarded a 3-year deal as permanent manager.
The closest Solskjaer got to any form of silverware was a Europa League final in which the club lost on penalties to Villareal. He was sacked in November 2021.
Solskjaer had a near-perfect interim period, and United made the mistake of hiring him permanently. It ultimately led to zero trophies.
United do not want to run the risk of doing this again, even though Rangnick seems to be a more experienced and knowledgeable manager.
Rangnick was an exciting appointment because he would be taking a consultancy role once the season finishes. The club temporarily appointed him whilst looking for a new manager rather than rushing into it was a surprise but a welcomed thought process.
United are crying out for more footballing knowledge within the club's hierarchy, and Rangnick could thoughtfully offer that. He knows how to run at the board level, as we've seen throughout his career.
If Rangnick stays as a manager, it'll be likely there still won't be any footballing representation on the United board, leaving the club in the same situation as it has been for so long. He needs to move to the consultancy role and contribute in that way which is required nearly as much as a new manager.
Several coaches out there would make for a great United manager. Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are just two names that have been heavily linked with the permanent position at United, and either one of them would almost certainly bring silverware to the club. A partnership of either of these managers working day-to-day with Rangnick has the potential to be absolute dynamite.
Rangnick has extensive knowledge of the game, but the club should not be limited to just one footballing focused individual within the ranks.
There must be a collective and healthy blend of businessmen for the marketing side, whether we like it or not, is imperative and footballing brains for the dynamics on the pitch, which is what matters most.
United cannot be roped into making the same mistake as they did with Solskjaer because we all know how that turned out. There will be several managers who would love to manage United; go and get one.
Do you think United should appoint Rangnick permanently? Follow our United on My Mind trends writer Anil Kandola on Twitter to join the conversation and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
