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German tactician Ralf Rangnick says he is quitting his consultancy role at Manchester United to focus on his new job as Austrian national team coach.
Despite a disappointing spell in charge at Old Trafford, which saw Manchester United finish sixth in the Premier League, Rangnick was expected to move upstairs and help Erik ten Hag revitalise the playing squad.
But he has now severed ties completely, clearing the way for Ten Hag to put his stamp on the side without interference.
In his first press conference since taking charge of Austria, Rangnick said: “We have concluded that it is better for me and the club to concentrate fully on the Austrian national team.
“I cancelled the consultancy contract.”
In the wake of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking last November, Old Trafford chiefs appointed Rangnick on an interim basis until the end of the season with a two-year consultancy role to follow.
But the 63-year-old German has now opted to bow out following the end of a turbulent campaign in which United could only secure Europa League football.
A statement from Manchester United added: “We would like to thank Ralf for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months.
“By mutual agreement, Ralf Rangnick will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford.
“We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career.”
After weeks of intense speculation, Manchester United revealed they had secured Ten Hag’s services in April.
The Dutchman, 52, led Ajax to the Eredivisie title in his final season with the club and will be expected to guide United back into the top four sooner rather than later.