When is Ralf Rangnick’s first game as Man Utd manager?

Manchester United fans are anticipating a new era of Gegenpressing at Old Trafford as the tenure of new boss Ralf Rangnick gets set to begin in earnest.

The German coach is highly regarded by compatriots Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel among others, though his appointment probably caught a few Red Devils fans off guard.

As the excitement builds around the idea of a whole new way of playing being implemented, GOAL takes a look at when Rangnick’s first game in the hotseat will be.

When is Ralf Rangnick’s first game as Man Utd manager?

It is not clear exactly when Rangnick will officially be in the dugout as Manchester United manager, with administrative delays preventing an immediate appearance. He will not be directing proceedings in the December 2 game against Arsenal as a result.

However, it is possible that the German coach will manage his first game when United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday, December 5. If the administrative process is not complete by then, Rangnick’s first game could be a Champions League encounter with Young Boys on Wednesday, December 8, a fixture which will also be played at Old Trafford.

While Rangnick was officially confirmed as the new Red Devils boss on November 29, 2021, the club confirmed that Michael Carrick would remain in charge until the former RB Leipzig boss is officially cleared to take his place on the sideline.

Carrick took the reins on a temporary basis following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the club indicated that the former midfielder would continue in the role for the Premier League clash against Arsenal. Nevertheless, there have been suggestions that the new interim manager will be a spectator at the game.

“I haven’t really got anything to update you on,” Carrick told reporters when asked about the possibility of Rangnick being at the Arsenal game. “I’m in the position I was for Villarreal and Chelsea, getting the boys ready for the game tomorrow night.”