Caretaker Carrick is aiming to extend United’s unbeaten run to three games as the Manchester club prepare for the arrival of new interim manager Ralf Rangnick
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Ralf Rangnick confirmed as Manchester United interim manager
Manchester United’s players returned to training after their hard-fought weekend draw at Chelsea, with a quick turnaround ahead of Thursday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal.
The match will be their third under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, with Ralf Rangnick confirmed as incoming interim manager but still waiting on the resolution of visa issues before he is able to take charge,
Carrick faces some big selection decisions, with Harry Maguire available again after serving a one-match ban and Cristiano Ronaldo pushing for a start after being named among the substitutes at Stamford Bridge.
Ronaldo was among the players spotted heading into the training ground, while United fans will be buoyed by the sight of Raphael Varane as the defender continues his recovery from injury.
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“Ralf Rangnick was announced as interim manager on Monday but, while the club follows the regulatory process around a work visa, [Michael] Carrick will continue at the helm,” a statement from United on Tuesday read.
“Michael has communicated this to players and staff at Carrington in a busy week for the club.”
Carrick has avoided defeat in his first two games, with Ronaldo opening the scoring in a 2-0 win at Villarreal before Jadon Sancho’s goal was only enough for a point on Sunday.
Carrick opted for a more conservative approach on Sunday, with a midfield three of Fred, Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay.
The approach looked to have paid off when Sancho struck first, only for Jorginho to level from the penalty spot.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes has suggested one of the midfield trio could drop out if Ronaldo is recalled, though Marcus Rashford could also make way after being withdrawn for the closing stages against Chelsea.
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Eamonn and James Clarke)
United have been without Luke Shaw for both of Carrick’s games, with the left-back suffering from concussion, though he could be in contention to return.
In the England defender’s absence, Alex Telles has deputised on the left of the back four, and it is yet to be determined whether the Brazilian has done enough in the last two games to justify a prolonged run in the first-team.
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Eamonn and James Clarke)
Another man brought in from the cold by Carrick after a spell on the fringes is Donny van de Beek, who started the win at Villarreal after scoring in Solskjaer’s final game in charge.
The former Ajax midfielder made a late cameo at Chelsea on Sunday, replacing Bruno Fernandes for the closing moments, and has earned praise from the caretaker manager for his versatility.
However, with Ronaldo pushing for a recall and Mason Greenwood also available again after a positive Covid test, Van de Beek may have to wait.
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Eamonn and James Clarke)
French defender Varane has spent close to a month on the sidelines after leaving the field early in United’s 2-2 draw with Atalanta, but fans will hope the sight of him en route to training means a comeback is not too far away.
United’s last Premier League victory, away to Tottenham at the end of October, came with the former Real Madrid man in the starting line-up.
Jamie Carragher suggested all of United’s players will be on audition for Rangnick, who will hope to take over in time for Sunday’s game at home to Crystal Palace.
United can close to within two points of Arsenal with a victory on Thursday night, though they lost at home to the Gunners last season.
Another defeat at Old Trafford would leave the Red Devils eight points outside the Champions League places and facing an uphill battle when Rangnick begins his stint in charge.
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