Michael Carrick has revealed the paperwork hold-up in Ralf Rangnick’s move to Manchester United has prevented him from speaking to the German.
Rangnick was appointed United’s interim manager earlier this week but a hold-up in his application for a visa means Carrick will take charge of the side for Thursday’s clash against Arsenal.
The 63-year-old was at Old Trafford today, as well as the club’s training ground, and he’s expected to be in attendance for the game against the Gunners.
It was claimed in some quarters that Rangnick had a hand in picking Sunday’s starting XI for the draw against Chelsea but Carrick says he’s yet to speak to the German.
‘Literally, I haven’t really got anything to update you on,’ Carrick said.
Apart from the work permit process is ongoing now as we speak and I’m in this position as I was for Villarreal and Chelsea, getting the boys ready for the game tomorrow night.
‘Have I spoken to him? No. It’s pretty much as it was when I said there, about both games we’ve already been to, because of the process and the work permit we haven’t been able to. So we’ve carried on as we have done, it’s worked well for the last two games and, hopefully, it works well tomorrow.
Carrick is unbeaten in his two matches as caretaker boss and he’ll be looking to extend that against Arsenal on Thursday.
The former United midfielder has made tactical tweaks to the side and he dropped Cristiano Ronaldo for Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
Carrick says he has his ‘own ideas’ and it’s only natural that he differs from Solskjaer.
‘A lot has happened, in the last week to 10 days,’ Carrick added.
‘I’ve had to certainly adapt and take on a new challenge and a different kind of skill set. I’ve kind of enjoyed seeing how I’ve come to that at times, you don’t know in this situation, it’s something you’ve got to learn on the job but for the most part, I’ve enjoyed it.
‘I think you always have your own ideas, whether it be with players, certain players have got their own ideas, a coach or manager or whatever it may be. As an individual, there are certain things you prefer or certain things that come naturally to you.
‘I’m always prepared to learn, I’ve learnt an awful lot this week, learnt on the job but, I’ve been pretty close and seen what goes on at close hand in recent years. It’s been a bit of a step up but not as much as people think.’
Michael Carrick provides team news update ahead of Arsenal clash.
Manchester United could again be missing four players through injury when they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Thursday night.
Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane will again definitely be absent for the Red Devils, while Edinson Cavani remains a doubt due to a tendon problem.
Luke Shaw has also recently been unavailable after picking up two head injuries in quick succession, with the left-back missing the matches against Villarreal and Chelsea.
Speaking during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, Man United caretaker manager Michael Carrick admitted that the team still have issues in the treatment room, although Harry Maguire will be available for selection after missing out against Chelsea through suspension.
“Nothing really new. There are always niggles at this time of year, playing a lot of games. There are always players you’re waiting on a little bit, to an extent,” Carrick told reporters. “Obviously, Harry is coming back into the squad after his suspension but we’ll see who is fit and available for tomorrow [Thursday].”
Carrick will again lead the team against the Gunners, but incoming interim head coach Ralf Rangnick is expected to be in the stands at Old Trafford, with the Germain waiting for his work permit.