Rangnick slams officials after Man Utd draw at Burnley
Ralf Rangnick is thought to be 'very interested' in bringing Manuel Akanji to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund - even if he will not coach him, according to reports in Germany. While the interim boss is set to move upstairs at the end of the season, Rangnick will still have a say on some areas of the club including recruitment from a consultancy role.
The 63-year-old will be looking to utilise his experience to improve the inner workings of the football club.
While United are yet to decide on a new manager, Rangnick could also have a say in helping find the right fit for the club.
Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino are among those currently in the frame.
After a quiet January transfer window, United have made it clear that they want to wait until they have a new manager in place before adding to their squad.
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Dortmund's latest contract offer has been rejected by Akanki and with Niklas Sule due to arrive this summer from Bayern Munich, a transfer could be on the cards.
Coincidentally, Akanji is understood to be close friends with United winger Jadon Sancho, who has struggled making the transition from Germany this season.
United are now thought to be exploring a potential reunion between the duo at the end of the campaign when the transfer window opens.
The Red Devils are expected to make wholesale changes to their squad ahead of next season with at least four players currently set to depart.
Manuel Akanji could be up for grabs this summer (Image: GETTY)
Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata are all out of contract and are seemingly heading for the exit door.
They will need to be replaced while defender Eric Bailly could also move on - which would open the door for a deal for Akanji.
United were hoping to settle on a first-choice centre-back partnership of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire following the capture of the World Cup winner last summer.
Maguire, though, is still struggling for form at club level, something that was evident in the 1-1 draw at Burnley.