This has been another challenging season at Old Trafford, with a top-four finish the best they can hope for domestically and the Champions League remaining their only route to silverware.Since December, when Ralf Rangnick succeeded Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a poor start to the campaign and a number of chastening defeats, United have been working under their German interim manager and have recorded mixed success.A thorough process is underway to find their next permanent manager, said Manchester United football director John Murtough. The Red Devils look to secure Champions League qualification at a time when the hunt for the next permanent manager is ongoing and Murtough has been heartened by the ‘improved results’.15.03. Tue 23:00: (2.10) Man.Utd. (3.30) Atl.Madrid (4.00)Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax coach Erik ten Hag are among the favourites to permanently succeed Solskjaer.”We know that consistency is key as we strive for a top-four finish this season,” Murtough said.”I want to reiterate however that this is not the ultimate objective for Manchester United, and everyone at the club is focused on challenging for the top trophies.”We are now conducting a thorough process for the appointment of a new permanent manager who will take charge this summer, with the objective to get us back to challenging for those domestic and European titles.”Anthony Elanga should be a starter, says Old Trafford legend FerdinandRichard Arnold echoed Murtough’s sentiments as the chief executive commented publicly for the first time since taking up the role on February 1, when executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward departed.”Everyone associated with Manchester United should have belief in the opportunities that lie ahead of us, both on the pitch and in the way we engage and serve our fans,” he said.”We have a clear vision and we are implementing a strategy to win with an empowered leadership team to drive that forward.”Old Trafford executives believe in Ronaldo… In Martial also, but not so muchThe above-mentioned improved results are debatable – both on the pitch and finance-wise. United’s net debt has increased to 659 million USD – an increase of 8.6 percent – and player wages were up 19.6 percent to 130 million USD “over the prior-year quarter due to investment in the first team playing squad”.United’s second-quarter results for fiscal 2022 showed the club paid 13.5 million USD in “exceptional items”, which included compensation to former manager Solskjaer and certain members of the coaching staff.
