CONFIRMED: Rangnick named Austria coach, will continue consultancy role at Man United

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has been appointed coach of Austria's national team, the federation said Friday, but he will continue in a consultancy role at the club.

Rangnick joined United as interim manager in November last year and will move into an advisory position after Ajax coach Erik ten Hag comes in as the new permanent manager.

The 63-year-old German "will combine the job with his consultancy role at Old Trafford as planned," United said in a statement.

The Austrian federation said Rangnick had been given a two-year deal that will be extended to four years if he secures qualification for the 2024 European championship.

"We are very pleased that in Ralf Rangnick we have been able to attract an outstanding expert in international football," Austrian federation president Gerhard Milletich said.

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

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

"I'm really looking forward to playing my part in helping United become a real force again."

He added: "It's an honour for me to take on the role of team boss.

"I'm particularly excited about the prospect of contesting the European Championships in Germany with a young team hungry for success."