Ralf Rangnick is set to usher in a new era at Manchester United

And just like that, a new era has begun over at Manchester United.

Nine days ago, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s three-year tenure as manager at Old Trafford was unceremoniously brought to a close after one bad result too many. Now it’s another man’s turn to try his luck at one of the world’s biggest clubs, with Ralf Rangnick named as the latest boss set to attempt to walk in Sir Alex Ferguson’s daunting shoes.

The German brings with him a reputation as one of the finest football minds of his generation, with his coaching acumen honed over years working across Europe. He is widely credited as one of the key architects of modern pressing football, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and Bayern Munich’s Julian Nagelsmann among the big name coaches to have drawn influence from him.

He has the lofty credentials, but the task ahead is perhaps even loftier, as he bids to try and turn around United’s fortunes, both on and off the pitch. He joins with the side languishing in eighth position in the Premier League, and despite a good win over Villarreal last week and a creditable draw against leaders Chelsea on Sunday, there is still much work to do.

The start of a new managerial era always brings with it a sense of hope, and expectations are high that with a change of leadership will come a change in performances and, ultimately, results.

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It is the job of sports journalists to chart these early days closely, to hang on every word at that first press conference, and to watch the footage of those first few training sessions intently.

Rangnick’s first match in charge – yet to be decided because of work visa issues – will be a box-office event as he starts what he hopes will be a positive six months in charge. Whether he can do what Solskjaer couldn’t and make decisive, lasting changes for the better still remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that we will be right there with him, covering the whole journey – win, lose or draw.

Yours,

Ben Burrows

Sports editor