Paul Merson Urges Manchester United To SACK Ralf Rangnick And 'Nip It In The Bud'

Paul Merson has told Manchester United they should sack Ralf Rangnick and doesn't think they've made any significant improvement under his management.

Pressure is starting to build on Rangnick after an FA Cup exit at the hands of Middlesbrough and 1-1 draws with Burnley and Southampton.

The 63-year-old is only in charge on an interim basis and is set to move into a consultancy role in the summer, but Merson thinks that shouldn't be allowed to happen.

He explained on Sky Sports: "100 per cent [Rangnick won’t be in charge next season]. I’ve got as much chance of being in charge. I just don’t see it.

"I read something that said they have improved. I don’t see that. I don’t see the happiness there. I hear so much coming out of Man Utd, at the moment, which is just extraordinary. It never happened before and that’s my worry.

"I don’t see him being there and the way it is going at the moment, if they don’t get in the top four, I’d be shocked if he went upstairs. I know that was part of the deal, but I don’t think it’s a good thing.

"I think this needs to be nipped in the bud sooner rather than later at Manchester United."

Reports in midweek claimed players aren't satisfied with Rangnick's 'old-fashioned' training sessions, which are often left to assistant Chris Armas.

It's also believed Armas is called 'Ted Lasso' by players, a nickname inspired by a fictional American coach in a TV series of the same name.

United sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November and hired Rangnick the following month with the aim of hiring a permanent manager this summer.

Merson believes this was the wrong call and a club of United's caliber should've gone out to find someone as soon as possible.

The former Arsenal man continued: "I just can’t believe what they are doing. Just waiting until next season to bring in a new manager, there is a lot of work to be done.

"This is not just bringing a new manager in and let’s go again next season. They are a million miles off and things have to change very quickly.

"I’d have had someone in as soon as possible.

"You pay £70m to £80m for football players and some of them don’t even play. Why wouldn’t you break the bank for managers, if you need to get a manager out of a club. In my opinion, they are very important."

Rangnick is yet to face any of the traditional 'big six' as manager and has a Champions League last 16 clash with Atletico Madrid later this month.

United return to action against Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday, knowing victory will take them back into the top four.