Interim manager Ralf Rangnick will get the chance to quickly learn about his Manchester United squad as he makes preparations for a £100million transfer splurge.
Rangnick was confirmed as United boss until the end of the season on Monday, with the German then set to take on a role as a senior football adviser at Old Trafford.
He has developed a reputation for being a transfer market guru, having previously signed players such as Sadio Mane, Joshua Kimmich and Erling Haaland during his previous role at Red Bull’s clubs.
That expertise is much-needed at United, with the Red Devils squad having badly underperformed this season, which resulted in the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with his side 12 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.
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United are expected to back him heavily in the January transfer window, which opens in exactly a month’s time.
According to The Mirror, Rangnick will be handed a warchest of £100m to improve the quality in United’s squad.
With United having underperformed so badly this campaign, a number of players could be at risk of losing their place in the side to new signings.
The next month will now be a chance for those plans to prove to the new boss that they can be part of the turnaround.
The busy festive schedule for Premier League has been much-maligned by many top managers, but it presents Rangnick with the perfect opportunity to assess his squad.
The Red Devils will play eight games before the winter window opens across the top-flight and Champions League.
That starts against Arsenal on Thursday night, with Rangnick set to watch the game from the directors’ box having failed to have received his work permit in time.
Michael Carrick will instead lead United against the Gunners, with Rangnick’s first match in charge set to come on Sunday when Crystal Palace visit Old Trafford.
The final Champions League group stage game against Young Boys is virtually a free hit, with United having already qualified for the knockout stages.
Rangnick’s men then have the chance to build momentum in the league, as they face all three of the clubs currently occupying the relegation zone in their final five games of December.
First up will be Norwich City at Carrow Road a week on Saturday, though United have struggled to break down teams such as the Canaries in recent years.
The Red Devils will face tough tests in their next two games, with a trip to Brentford and the visit of Brighton.
Both sides will look to dominate possession, with United’s squad having the chance to prove they defeat teams who play in that style.
By the final two games of the month, Rangnick’s influence should be clear on the United squad and games against Newcastle and Burnley will be their final opportunity to show they can deliver his gameplan.
The £100m warchest at his disposal means that Rangnick can afford to be ruthless in his transfer moves in January, with December presenting the perfect look at his new squad.
