Sport: Rangnick's permit wait means Carrick will oversee Man Utd vs Arsenal

What is Man Utd's interim manager Michael Carrick like as a coach?

CHRIS WHEELER IN VILLARREAL: Sir Alex Ferguson didn't use to call on Michael Carrick at Manchester United until the weather turned and it was raining in autumn. 'Michael was always a slow starter when he first arrived,' recalled Ferguson. 'The rain started in September and October and he came into his own.'Well, the dark clouds have certainly been gathering over Old Trafford and Carrick is the unlikely figure United have turned to following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Ralf Rangnick's wait for a work permit means Michael Carrick will remain in charge for Manchester United's match against Arsenal on Thursday.

New interim manager Rangnick arrived in England before new travel restrictions came into effect, but is awaiting a permit before he can start work at United.

© Associated Press Ralf Rangnick has arrived in England but will not be in the dugout against Arsenal

United said the visa application process means caretaker boss Carrick will be in the dugout once more, having already overseen the 2-0 win at Villarreal and 1-1 draw with Chelsea after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked.

Man Utd close to appointing Rangnick as interim manager

Ralf Rangnick is close to finalising a deal to become Manchester United interim manager until the end of the season. Discussions are ongoing over a deal that would also see Rangnick remain at the club for two years beyond the end of the season in a consultancy role. © Associated Press Rangnick, 63, is one of the most respected names in German football and is currently manager of sports and development for Lokomotiv Moscow. United remain in talks with the Russian club over an agreement to release him.

"Michael has communicated this to players and staff at Carrington in a busy week for the club," the club said. "Preparation is continuing for the visit of the in-form Gunners."

Get Sky Sports | Live football on Sky SportsMan Utd fixtures | Premier League tableMan Utd appoint Rangnick as interim manager

Rangnick landed before the new guidelines came into force from Tuesday, which requires individuals to self-isolate until they can provide a negative PCR test that must be taken within 48 hours of arriving in England.

The German was confirmed on Monday as United's interim manager until the end of the season, and his first game in charge is now set to be at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

United then have a home Champions League match against Swiss side Young Boys next week, but new rules for individuals returning to Switzerland could see that game moved to a neutral venue.

Carrick joins Man United legends at premiere of Bryan Robson's film

Posing for pictures, Carrick - who will be in charge for this weekend's clash against Chelsea - spent time with his legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.Posing for pictures, Carrick - who will remain in charge for this weekend's clash against Chelsea - spent time with his legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Why Ralf Rangnick is in demandPaul Merson unconvinced by Ralf Rangnick at Man UtdRalf Rangnick has tools to work with at Man Utd

The 63-year-old's contract will see him take charge of the first team until June and then remain at the club for at least a further two years in a consultancy role.

Carra: Rangnick's biggest job is to identify new boss

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher on Super Sunday:

"I think the appointment of Rangnick will be a positive step in terms of how he wants football played. The top teams in European football, and three of them are in the Premier League, all play the way Rangnick has always wanted his teams to play going back 20 years.

"Top-level football is played like that and Manchester United were a million miles away from that.

"Rangnick is coming in now to make sure that Manchester United get back into the Champions League for next season.

"But Rangnick's biggest job is identifying the next coach. The top people at the club will be taking advice from him. He will want the next coach to be in his image so he'll be almost getting them ready for the next coach and how they want to play."

Man Utd set to appoint Rangnick after agreeing deal with Lokomotiv

Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Lokomotiv Moscow for Ralf Rangnick to become their interim manager. Contracts are expected to be signed this weekend for Rangnick to take interim charge until the end of the season. The deal comes with a further two-year consultancy role. © Associated Press Sky Sports News has learned United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward pushed for the additional two years given Rangnick's level of expertise. United strongly believe Rangnick will offer valuable insight and resource on the football side beyond the end of the season.

Why Rangnick is in demand

The story of how the Manchester United-bound Ralf Rangnick helped to revolutionise German football and inspire Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and others.

Man Utd's upcoming fixtures

December 2: Arsenal (h) - Premier League, kick-off 8.15pm

December 5: Crystal Palace (h) - Premier League, kick-off 2pm

December 8: Young Boys (h) - Champions League, kick-off 8pm

December 11: Norwich (a) - Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports

© PA Manchester United drew 1-1 at Chelsea with Michael Carrick in caretaker charge