The future of interim Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is still up in the air with the announcement that he will take over the Austrian national team following his departure from Old Trafford.

The news of Rangnick's new position was seen by some as yet another stick with which to chastise United, further evidence that the club has no long-term strategy for which Rangnick was hired in the first place. As far as others are concerned, it's not that big a deal. There is a lot more free time in international football, and the German coach will still be able to aid Manchester United if they need him to.

Whether or not he is needed by United is the one question that remains open. Despite his candid assessment of the club, it's difficult to conceive a scenario in which the 63-year-old would be asked for his input during a decision-making process in which they should be putting their faith in Erik ten Hag.

Instead of direct involvement or in-person evaluations, Rangnick's long-term impact at United could be attributed to his work in the international management field and the influence he may have over possible transfer targets.

Austria and United will benefit from Rangnick's continued presence in an official role, which could improve Ten Hag's ambitions of acquiring Konrad Laimer this summer.

RB Leipzig midfielder Laimer is one of a number of high-profile names being linked with a move to Old Trafford at the end of the season. His talent is well known to Rangnick, who signed him back when he was in charge of the Bundesliga's football operations.

Laimer's outstanding growth is further evidenced by the fact that Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in a transfer for the Austrian, who is out of contract at Leipzig in a year's time.

A website called Bundesliga.com has called the midfielder the "Austrian N'Golo Kante." The hard-working midfielder is what the club is looking for in the next few months.

Leeds United's stance on Kalvin Phillips in the wake of Manchester United's interest in the player.

Laimer has the stamina to succeed in a physically demanding league like the Premier League, but he also knows how to play a style of game that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has tried to establish at Old Trafford.

As soon as Erik ten Hag is in place, Manchester United can go forward with their plans to identify top transfer targets and build the basis for future deals when the window re-opens in January.

If Rangnick has his heart set on Laimer, it could be up to him to make sure United leaves with the appropriate parting gift. The new manager should have the authority to authorise any player signings.