Rangnick will have transfer funds to fix unbalanced Man Utd squad

The Ralf Rangnick era at Manchester United is set to get underway on Thursday evening as the Red Devils host Arsenal in a huge Premier League clash, although the German may not be as involved as he would have liked. 

An issue with the 63-year-old’s work permit is believed to be responsible, and it has even be reported that he may not take charge of a game until the middle of December.

Despite his absence from the touchline, the former RB Leipzig boss will undoubtedly be involved in preparations for the game against the Gunners, and he has plenty of work to do if he is going to turn the club’s fortunes around.

United have been in poor form all season, winning just five of their 13 league games so far.

The backline has been of particular concern, conceding more goals than 14 of their fellow Premier League sides, including 18th-placed Burnley.

The Red Devils have kept just two clean sheets in 14 games, conceding 22 goals in total, and their defensive frailties will arguably be Rangnick’s most pressing concern as he takes charge.

However, the German’s job may have just got slightly easier, as he will reportedly be given a budget of £100 million to bolster the United squad and make them competitive once again.

According to the Mirror, Rangnick will target Amadou Haidara and Christopher Nkunku, both of whom he managed at Leipzig, while Erling Braut Haaland remains the club’s number one target for next summer.

Nkunku is reportedly a target for Rangnick.

The former technical director at Lokomotiv Moscow was in a similar role at Red Bull Salzburg when Haaland rose to international prominence, and United are therefore hopeful that he will be able to entice him to Manchester when his £63 million release clause becomes active next summer.

A midfielder and a defender will apparently be top of Rangnick’s shopping list when the window opens next month, with the experienced manager set to target players who will suit the high-pressing style that he will try to implement at the club.