Martin Keown reckons Ralf Rangnick's decision to take charge of Austria while staying at Manchester United feels like a "pantomime" as Dion Dublin urged the club to sever ties with the German.
The Old Trafford interim boss will take on a consultancy role in the summer as Erik ten Hag arrives as his successor, but will coincide it with being Austria's head coach. The 63-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Austria, which will be extended by a further two years should they qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany.
United's decision to allow Rangnick to juggle both positions has come under scrutiny and former Arsenal defender Keown has heavily criticised the decision. He said on BBC's Football Focus: "He's the Manchester United manager, why are they even making that announcement now, the whole thing is a pantomime. It just hasn't worked. The sooner the new manager comes in, the better."
Dion Dublin was in agreement with Keown and has told United to cut ties with Rangnick as he doesn't see the arrangement working out. He added: "I don't think it is going to work. I really don't see how it is. An international manager working at Manchester United. He's come in and it hasn't worked for him, it's not been great. There are still issues in the dressing room.
"The individual performances haven't been good enough at Manchester United, they can't get a run of games together. Sever your ties, you gave it a go, thank you very much and let him go. I don't think you need anything that didn't work still there.
Rangnick insists the Austria job will not interfere with his consultancy role upstairs at Old Trafford. He confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "I will take over as national team manager of Austria at the end of the season but will continue my consultancy with Manchester United. I’m really looking forward to playing my part in helping United become a real force
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'It is an honour for me to take on the role of [Austria] manager,” he added. “The prospect of contesting the European Championships in Germany with a young team hungry for success fills me with great anticipation.”
Gerhard Milletich, President of the Austrian Football Association, added: “We are very pleased that in Ralf Rangnick we have been able to recruit an outstanding expert in international football as team manager. We are all convinced that he is the ideal man and that his vision will advance the national team and the OFB.”
Peter Schöttel sporting director of Austrian FA said: "After a very well-founded and intensive process, we were able to win Ralf Rangnick, an absolute top man with great international reputation as team boss. Makes me very proud and really looking forward to working together."
