RALF RANGNICK has been dealt an early blow as Manchester United boss as his trusty No2 rejected the chance to join him.
The former RB Leipzig boss was confirmed as the Red Devils’ interim gaffer until the end of the season.
But his hopes of bolstering his staff with Lars Kornetka were dashed.
Rangnick and Kornetka have worked together since 2007 with the new United boss describing his assistant as ‘the best video analyst we have in Germany’.
It was even reported by the New York Times that the pair had set up a consultancy firm together.
Lokomotiv Moscow confirmed on Monday night Kornetka is staying with the Russian club – and stepping up to become head of sports and development, the role vacated by Rangnick.
A statement said: “The well-known German specialist Lars Kornetka will take over the position of the Head of Sports and Development of FC Lokomotiv.
“Ralf Rangnick, who held this position earlier, has joined Manchester United as head coach.
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“Lars Kornetka is long-term partner, follower of ideas and adherent of Ralph Rangnick’s football philosophy.
“Since 2007, the specialist has actively collaborated with him at Hoffenheim, Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig.
“Lars specialises in statistical football analysis, assessment of players’ skills, including advanced video analytics, as well as scouting, focused primarily on finding promising young football players, and an objective assessment of their future capabilities.”
Rangnick has forged a sterling reputation as the pioneer of gegenpressing and has influenced the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp and Julian Nagelsmann with his methods.
However, it looks set to be Michael Carrick in charge for one final game on Thursday night when Arsenal head to the Theatre of Dreams for a crunch clash in the top-four race.
That is because Rangnick’s visa issues are still unresolved.
Sky Sports state the new manager is already in England having arrived before new Covid travel rules came into place.
But Rangnick will have to face an FA-appointed independent panel to get a work permit for his new job.
Because he has not had enough managerial jobs over the last five years, instead taking on director roles like the one at Lokomotiv, he does not meet the criteria from the Home Office by default.
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A United source told the Mail last night: “We are working calmly and carefully to secure a visa for Ralf in line with all relevant regulations and protocols.
“These are processes which have to be followed and we are doing so as swiftly as possible.”
Carrick, as well as Kieran McKenna and Mike Phelan, WILL remain on United’s staff even after Rangnick takes over.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
