Lokomotiv Moscow’s former president, Nikolai Naumov, has launched a verbal onslaught against Ralf Rangnick before his expected move to Manchester United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was relieved of his managerial duties last Sunday following a 4-1 defeat against Watford. The Red Devils have selected Rangnick to take over as interim manager until the end of the season. This has pleased United fans who believe that the 63-year-old’s long term vision will be highly beneficial to their struggling club.
The highly reputable German manager initially turned down the Manchester side’s first offer, according to reports. However, the club revised its terms to include a consultancy role at the end of the season, and Rangnick accepted.
What has Naumov said about Rangnick?
According to the Manchester Evening News, United will announce the eagerly awaited appointment on Friday, but Naumov has tried to spoil the party. In an interview with Match TV, he has slammed the departing head of sports and development at the Russian club.
He claimed: “It’s not about Manchester. For Rangnick, this is no escape, betrayal, or disgrace. Rangnick is a merchant.”
“He does not care about football because he only does business around him. The more countries, leagues and football clubs he covers, the more he will earn. He’s absolutely indifferent to Lokomotiv. He did not come here to raise football but to earn money.”
“He was offered money elsewhere, so he and his company will go to United. When he’s offered to work in Africa, he will go to earn money there, leaving his deputy at Manchester United. Clean business.”
Has the German been released from his contract?
According to Sport 1 chief reporter Patrick Berger, the Russian club have agreed to let Rangnick go to United. He claims that the former player will probably sign his contract on Monday and be in charge of the club’s massive Premier League fixture against Arsenal on Saturday.
In July, Rangnick signed a three-year deal with the Moscow side, but he will leave before the first year is even up. He clearly felt that the Manchester United job offer was simply an unmissable opportunity, and he’s grabbed it with both hands.
Read: Manchester United reportedly agree deal to appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim boss
The German may never have won a trophy at the highest level, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t qualified for the job. He has a history of improving struggling teams. In addition, he can also implement an aesthetically pleasing style of play.
The German coach has had massive success as a manager in his native country. During his time at Hoffenheim, he miraculously took the team from the third division to the Bundesliga in just two and a half years. He then went a step further at RB Leipzig by taking them from the fourth tier to the Champions League.
Fans at the Theatre of Dreams will hope to see the first glimmers of their future success on Saturday against Arsenal.
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