Ralf Rangnick might be able to hand himself a lifeline at Manchester United despite being blasted for “managing his way out” of being given the long-term role as head coach.
The German replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as Red Devils boss until the end of the season in November after the Norwegian was sacked following a run of dreadful results.
While results have improved during Rangnick’s tenure, performances have been decidedly mixed, with United also being knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Middlesborough.
They currently sit fourth in the Premier League heading into Sunday’s Manchester derby, though they have played three games more than Arsenal, who are just two points behind them.
With United’s place in next season’s Champions League under serious threat, as West Ham, the Gunners and Tottenham all chase them for a top four spot, Rangnick has been slammed for his time in charge.
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Former Spurs and Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has warned the German that he has no hope of retaining the manager’s job on a permanent basis.
Rangnick is still scheduled to take on a consultancy role in the summer, but has hinted that he would like to be appointed on a long-term basis.
But Sherwood believes that the first three months of his reign has resulted in him dropping out of the frame.
“From what he’s produced since he’s gone in there, there’s no improvement from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer,” Sherwood told Sky Sports.
“I don’t see the playing style differently, I don’t see the results improving, so he’s absolutely managed his way out of the job.”
Despite Sherwood’s prediction, Rangnick may have the chance to recover his standing, if he is able to turn around the form of struggling star Marcus Rashford.
The Englishman has scored just five goals in all competitions this season and is on a six-game drought.
Rangnick has a reputation for improving players during his roles as a coach and if he is able to do the same with Rashford, it could go a long way to putting his name back in the frame for the permanent job.
The United boss himself has full faith in the 24-year-old to rediscover his goalscoring touch and hand him a lifeline in the race to get the manager’s job in the process.
“With Marcus Rashford, we have another player who I will insist and continuously be behind him and with him, to develop him,” Rangnick said.
“We have achieved that with quite a few other young players in the past and I don't see why this should not happen with Marcus.
“He's got abundant talent, he's got the pace, he's got the physicality, he's got everything that you need for a modern striker, no matter if he's playing from the wing or in the centre.
“I will put all my energy into that, to help him to take the same pathway that other players did in the last three months.”
Rangnick has just 11 Premier League games to get Rashford firing again, with time ticking down on his reign as United boss if he is unable to succeed in that task.
