SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - NOVEMBER 29: Ralph Rangnick, head coach of Leipzig reacts during the UEFA Europa League Group B match between RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig at on November 29, 2018 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Brexit could stop Ralf Rangnick managing Manchester United vs Arsenal

Nov 28, 2021

Thanks to Brexit, Manchester United could be without Ralf Rangnick for Arsenal’s trip to Old Trafford this Thursday.

Although, at the time of writing, Manchester United have not yet confirmed Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager for the rest of the season, it is apparently just a formality.

Now, had we still been a member of the EU, Ralf could have just hopped on a plane and started working right away.

Alas, we do not live in that world any more and one of the most talented people in his field has to await a work permit before he is allowed to get to work.

And we all thought Brexit was nothing but bad news?

United play Chelsea on Sunday and he definitely won’t be in position for that and there is some debate as to whether or not it will all be sorted in time for Thursday.

Some media outlets are reporting that he will, some are saying that he won’t, which tells me nobody knows and most are just guessing in the hope of getting a 50/50 call right and looking like they know something they don’t.

Whatever happens, one thing is for sure – Ole will not be at the wheel for Arsenal’s visit and, personally, I think that compromises the integrity of football in the Premier League.

We should all get a chance to play Ole’s United.

Why should only some of the teams in the league get that pleasure?

Rob Holding impresses Arsenal staff in training

Rob Holding is reportedly impressing behind the scenes with his intensity in training with Arsenal, as he looks to win his spot back.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Rob Holding of Arsenal warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 18, 2021. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Ever since Arsenal signed Ben White in the summer transfer window, he and Rob Holding have been in direct competition for a place in Mikel Arteta’s team.

12 games into the season, White and Holding haven’t played a single Premier League minute together, only featuring briefly together in one League Cup match.

White started against Brentford on the opening day of the league season, Holding started against Chelsea and Manchester City, and White has started every league match since.

When White has been fit and available, he’s played.

The main positive for Holding is that he’s at least still in the squad on a weekly basis, unlike Calum Chambers or Pablo Mari.

The Athletic suggest Holding is probably the first in line to step in if Gabriel Magalhaes or White aren’t available.

They add that the 26-year-old is impressing in training as he looks to reclaim his place in the side.

Rob Holding of Arsenal wearing the captains armband during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Picture date: 19th December 2020. Picture: Andrew Yates/Sportimage — Rob Holding of Arsenal wearing the captain’s armband during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool. Picture date: 19th December 2020. Picture: Andrew Yates/Sportimage

That may yet turn out to be important, as we don’t know how long the Gabriel-White pairing will last. Any injuries or suspensions or infections and Arteta will need someone to step in.

It’s good to hear that Holding is making sure he’s ready for that moment.