Ralf Rangnick (Getty Images)

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has been appointed as the manager of the Austrian national team, the federation said on Friday, but he will continue in an advisory role at the club.

Rangnick joined United as an interim manager last November and will move into a mentoring position after Ajax coach Erik ten Hag becomes the new permanent manager.

The 63-year-old German “will combine work with his consulting role at Old Trafford as planned,” United said in a statement.

The Austrian Federation said Rangnick has been handed a two-year contract that will be extended to four years if he secures qualification for the 2024 European Championship.

“We are delighted that at Ralf Rangnick we have been able to attract an outstanding specialist in international football,” said Austrian federation president Gerhard Milletich.

United’s already slim hopes of finishing in the Premier League top four and securing a Champions League spot dealt another blow with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Thursday.

“I will take over as manager of the Austrian national team at the end of the season but will continue my consulting work with Manchester United,” Rangnick said.

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

He added: “It is an honor for me to take on the role of team boss.

“I’m especially excited about the prospect of competing for the European Championship in Germany with a young team hungry for success.”

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