Ralf Rangnick has held talks to become the new manager of the Austrian national team after reportedly learning that his responsibility at Manchester United would be watered down.
The 63-year-old is currently interim boss at Old Trafford, presiding over first-team affairs until the Red Devils appoint a new permanent manager ahead of next season. Rangnick is then due to move into a two-year consultancy role with the club, starting this summer, with it being understood that the acclaimed German coach would be consulted in the process of appointing his successor.
However, a recent report from the National suggests that Rangnick will have a 'limited say in the matter' and now the ex- RB Leipzig boss has been mooted for a new job amid the uncertainty over his role at United. Kurier claim that Peter Schottel, sporting director of the Austrian FA, flew into Manchester via private jet on Monday to speak to the tactician about taking the vacant post in Vienna. After the news made headlines, the OFB firmly denied on social media that a meeting took place.
German compatriot Franco Foda recently ended his four-and-a-half year reign as Austria manager, having been beaten by a Gareth Bale -inspired Wales in the World Cup qualification play-offs a fortnight ago. It leaves the OFB searching for a new boss, having reached the round-of-16 at Euro 2020, boasting stars such as Real Madrid defender David Alaba and Leipzig's Konrad Laimer.
Notably, Rangnick is said to be a fan of Laimer, keen to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window if he is given a say on the Red Devils' business. The 24-year-old is valued at £23million and possesses superb stamina, helping him become one of the Bundesliga 's best box-to-box midfielders since signing from none other than Red Bull Salzburg five years ago.
But that is not Rangnick's only connection to Austrian football, having extensively worked as Salzburg's sporting director between 2012 and 2020. But the former Stuttgart, Hannover, Schalke and Hoffenheim gaffer remains tied to United, and is believed to be lobbying for Ajax manager Erik ten Hag to succeed him.
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Regardless of who is named as their next boss, Rangnick insists that they must be given time in order to turn the club's fortunes around. "I told the board this is what has to happen," he revealed following his side's drab 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Saturday. "Whenever the new head coach is clear, it has to be: 'How does he want to play and what kind of players do we need for that?'
"Then we come back to DNA, speed, physicality, tempo... what do we need? This team does not lack technical players; it can do with more physicality. It takes right decisions and where you want to go to; what kind of players, what kind of manager, and then in every transfer window try to get the best possible.
"This is possible. This is not rocket science. It has to be done, and if that happens, it does not necessarily need three or four years, maybe two or three transfer windows, then the situation could be different."
