Ralf Rangnick admits he hasn’t spoken to Erik ten Hag despite Manchester United appointing the Dutchman following a long interview process.
Ten Hag, who currently manages Dutch champions Ajax, was confirmed as United’s new manager for next season on Thursday after agreeing a contract until 2025 worth £9million-a-year.
It was thought that Rangnick would be involved in the decision-making process due to his experience as a sporting director with the Red Bull franchise and Lokomotiv Moscow - with the 63-year-old German is set to take up a two-year consultancy role at Old Trafford after stepping down as interim manager.
But Rangnick admitted that he doesn’t know the incoming boss and the two men haven’t spoken, with football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher leading the search.
‘We don't know each other in person, we haven't met,’ said the German. ‘From what I've seen at Bayern Munich, when he was the Under-23 coach and Ajax now, I like his football.
‘I’m pretty positive that with a full pre-season having a chance to build and mould his own staff, and a new team, which is obvious, I am pretty sure we will see improvement.
‘I knew that Erik was one of the candidates the board spoke to and I told them from people I knew Erik would be a good choice. I believe he will be a very good choice and the other things we haven't had time to speak about.’
Speaking about the task facing ten Hag, Rangnick added: ‘It's obvious there are quite a few players whose contracts are expiring. There might be a few others who are on loan might and still want to be on loan or leave the club.
‘It will be a significant change and rebuild necessary. How many? I haven't spoken to Erik as yet but if he asks me he will have his own ideas. It's not three or four players, it's obvious, bearing in mind whose contracts are expiring.’
Paul Pogba is one of the likely candidates to leave Old Trafford in the summer, with the midfielder's contract finishing at the end of the season and the Frenchman not being close to signing a new deal.
