Manchester United have announced Ralf Rangnick will not be staying at Old Trafford as a consultant despite his previous agreement with the club.

Rangnick was expected to stay at United for a further two years in his new role but he has announced he has left.

United said in a statement on Sunday: “We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months.

“By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford.

“We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career.”

It is understood that Rangnick held a long conversation with new United manager Erik ten Hag, who has taken over on a three-year deal after leaving Ajax.

Ten Hag refused to be drawn on Rangnick’s role at the club during his unveiling on May 23.

When asked about Rangnick’s consultancy role, the Dutchman replied: “That is on the club.”

Rangnick was appointed manager of Austria’s national team on April 29 but he announced he would still be working at United as a consultant.

Speaking last month, Rangnick said: “I will take over as national team manager of Austria at the end of the season but will continue my consultancy with Manchester United.

“I’m really looking forward to playing my part in helping United become a real force again.”

Ten Hag, meanwhile, has already appointed his own staff with Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren named as his assistants.

Rangnick won just 11 of his 29 games in charge of United after taking over the reins on an interim basis on December 2, 2021.

United finished the season with the worst points tally in their Premier League history, finishing the campaign in sixth spot under Rangnick’s guidance.

They were also eliminated out of the Champions League and FA Cup by Atletico Madrid and Middlesbrough respectively.

Rangnick had taken over following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.

(Photo: Getty Images)