Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has backed incoming caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick to sign Erling Haalandfor the Red Devils.

Rangnick, 63, is expected to be announced as United’s interim boss this week after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was relieved of his duties last weekend.

Michael Carrick has been in charge for the Champions League victory over Villarreal and Premier League draw with Chelsea, but United want Rangnick to arrive at Old Trafford before Thursday’s clash against Arsenal.

Rangnick is expected to sign a six-month contract with Manchester United before they appoint a permanent manager next summer, but could be moved into another role with the Red Devils following his stint as manager.

Meulensteen, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, believes Rangnick’s ties in Germany could boost Manchester United’s chances of signing long-term transfer target Haaland.

Haaland, 21, has scored 71 goals in 70 matches for Borussia Dortmund but could be sold for around £68m next summer when his release clause kicks in.

‘Football is about relationships,’ Meulensteen told Stadium Astro. ‘We all know that Haaland is a tremendous talent with an unbelievable goalscoring record. He’s young, he’s direct, he’s quick, he’s strong.

‘I think like a lot of fans I expected him to be at Man United already because of that relationship with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. They know each other but for whatever reason it hasn’t materialised.

‘It is important that you have got good relationships. Maybe Rangnick can bring something to the table and bring someone like Haaland to Manchester United. I think that would be a big scoop.’

In Carrick’s second game as interim manager, Manchester United held Premier League leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Former England midfielder Carrick said: ‘I’m slightly disappointed to be honest. We went ahead. We came here to win the game. To go 1-0 up and have it taken away from you is disappointing.

‘That intent and that hunger summed us up today. We knew it wasn’t going to be free flowing football at times but we were prepared to dig in.

‘It probably looks easier when you go two against a keeper but it is a little cat and mouse. He [Jadon Sancho] managed to score and I am pleased for him.

‘It has been a decent couple of games. It is mixed feelings because I shouldn’t be here if things had gone as we wanted. I felt like we lost out on it today because two wins would have been better.’

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