Ralf Rangnick backed to turn Man Utd into Premier League title challengers as Silvestre hails ‘smart’ appointment
MIKAEL SILVESTRE insists Ralf Rangnick can make Manchester United title challengers again – if he gets the job permanently.
The ex-RB Leipzig chief, 63, has signed a six-month deal until the end of the season to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
However, if the interim boss proves a hit at Old Trafford like his predecessor, the former defender reckons long-term success is on the cards.
Silvestre, 44, told SunSport: “Rangnick is good news. We know what he wants from his players, he has a plan and knows how to execute it. It’s a good appointment, I’m pleased with it.
“It looks like a replica of Ole’s situation – take the job as an interim, if you pass the test you get it for much longer.
“It is smart because it gives both sides time to see if there is a match – from the club’s management and Ralf’s perspective.
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“There is a mid-term plan and it could be the one that takes United to being title contenders.
“Not this season but his mission is to finish in the Champions League which is hard enough.
“You have to be sensitive and consider the gap in quality and performances. There is enough quality in the squad to finish in the top four – that is where they should finish.”
Silvestre was team-mates with Solskjaer for eight years at Old Trafford, from the defender’s arrival in 1999 to the Norwegian’s retirement in 2007.
They won four Premier Leagues together, the FA Cup and League Cup before the former Rennes star won the Champions League in 2008.
The pair remain friends and ‘proud’ Silvestre exchanged messages with the sacked manager following the dismissal.
Now, though, United’s focus is on the Rangnick regime – and getting the best out of the stuttering squad.
Silvestre believes the new appointment gives everyone a fresh start, as he witnessed first hand with FOUR managers in his sole season at Inter Milan in 1998-99.
But the gegenpressing professor’s style leaves question marks over Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the team.
The 40-cap Frenchman, speaking for 888sport.com, added: “Since Michael Carrick took over, we’ve had four points, more consistency across 90 minutes.
“We actually saw a team, players attacking and defending together. They’ve shown that togetherness over these two games which is reassuring.
“When there is a new manager, it is time to restart and everyone has a chance to show their worth.
“There is a new pair of eyes on you and everybody has ambitions to play.
“I’ve experienced this before. At Inter we had four managers in one season and you can see the boost everyone gets because No15, No16 and No17 in the squad suddenly can get back into the starting XI.
“Ronaldo is a top player. The question is will he be considered as the No1 or someone coming off the bench?
“With him and Edinson Cavani, we have two top finishers. It depends on what Ralf sees as the best solution. He’s got a lot of power up front that’s for sure.”