Ralf Rangnick can land the Manchester United job on a permanent basis – if he wins the Champions League this season.
That is the verdict of former United striker Louis Saha, who reckons Rangnick can lead the team to Champions League glory, despite their domestic struggles.
Rangnick is in charge of United until the end of the season, when a permanent successor will be appointed, with Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag among the favourites.
But Saha reckons interim boss Rangnick can land the job himself on a full-time basis if he can steer United to European glory, just like Roberto Di Matteo did at Chelsea in 2012, as caretaker boss.
“It’s not definitely the case that Rangnick won’t be there in charge of United in the summer,” said Saha.
“If Ralf wins the Champions League, he will remain there as manager.
“There is concern around him, yes, as he started really well and people thought about him staying, and now United are not playing so well.
“But it’s all about results for Rangnick. United can win the Champions League this season.
“Chelsea won it, they weren’t brilliant in the first half of last year and they won it. I don’t think their squad was so strong and they won it.
“They finally found a foundation that was difficult to beat. They weren’t brilliant going forward, but they still managed to win the Champions League.”
United salvaged a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their last 16 tie and have home advantage at Old Trafford in the decisive return leg on March 15.
“It depends on the draw for United as well, of course, because you can be challenged by that,” said Saha.
“But it’s a competition where you need to be good on the day and have some special players that are able to impress on the day, which they have.
“I have to admit it’s a hard position to be in for Rangnick, especially when you are an interim manager.
“Some players will think you don’t have all the cards in your hands, so it’s not easy, it’s really not easy.”
On United's top-four hopes, Saha, speaking to William Hill , said: “If they don’t finish in the top four, it will be a massive blow.
“We’re talking like finishing in the top four is winning the title. I’m sorry, but this club should be winning games and aiming to win the title, not to be in the top four. That’s not normal.
“Finishing in the top four is an indication of things moving forward, but that’s not enough."
