Man Utd boss Rangnick dismisses Haaland bonus ‘nonsense’

Will Ford

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has dismissed the “nonsense” suggestion that he will be handed a bonus for securing the signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

Rangnick held his first press conference as United boss on Friday, revealing his “major target” at the club and why he snubbed Chelsea last season.


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The German will be manager until at least the end of the season, with the current plan being for him to then move into a consultancy role.

What that role will consist of isn’t entirely clear, but Rangnick is known to be a dab hand when it comes to transfers.

When asked whether he would receive a bonus for signing Haaland, as has been reported in some quarters, Rangnick pretended to shuffle through his contract, before dismissing the notion.

“10 million for Erling Haaland, 10 million for Kylian Mbappe, 10 million for Robert Lewandowski, 10 million for Joshua Kimmich.

“Of course, this is nonsense, there is no such thing in my contract.”

Reports suggest Rangnick will be handed £100million in January to overhaul the squad, with Edinson Cavani set to lead a six-man exodus from Old Trafford.

But Rangnick says he needs time to assess his current squad before speaking to the United hierarchy about potential new players.

“We haven’t spoken about new players, and it’s not the time to speak about new players. We have to get to know the current squad in detail.

“The current squad is definitely not too small. After Christmas we will perhaps have time to speak about new players. Winter is not the best time to buy players.”

Rangnick was also asked about Cristiano Ronaldo and whether he would have to adapt his style – known to involve a high, dynamic press – to suit the Portuguese striker.

“You always have to adapt your style to fit the players. He is an amazing, top professional,” Rangnick added.

“At his age, I have not seen a player who is still that physically fit. It’s about how we can develop the whole team, not just Cristiano.

“We play in the most competitive league in the world. All his team-mates will have to do the same.”