Ex-Lokomotiv President accuses Rangnick of only caring about money ahead of United move

As the world awaits the announcement of Ralf Rangnick as Manchester United's interim manager, one man has sounded a note of caution about the revered German tactician.

Former Lokomotiv Moscow President Nikolai Naumov believes that Rangnick is dumping the Russian club because he was offered more money by Manchester United. 

Naumov accused the former RB Leipzig boss of caring, not about football, but about the business he makes from it, stating that the 63-year-old would move to any country or club as long as he will earn more. Rangnick is four months into a three-year deal as Lokomotiv Moscow's Head of Sports and Development. 

In an interview with Match TV, Naumov said: "It’s not about Manchester. For Rangnick, this is no escape, betrayal, or disgrace. Rangnick is a merchant. He absolutely does not care about football, because he only does business around him. And the more countries, leagues and football clubs he covers, the more he will earn."

The ex-Russian football chief also alleged Rangnick does not care about Lokomotiv Moscow, stating that the former Red Bull Director of Football came to the Russian club only to earn money. 

"He’s absolutely indifferent to Lokomotiv. He did not come here to raise football, but to earn money. Now he was offered money elsewhere, and he and his company will go to United," Naumov lamented.

The ex-Lokomotiv President also warned the Manchester United board that Rangnick would leave Old Trafford in a heartbeat if he is offered more money elsewhere.

"When he’s offered to work in Africa, he will go to earn money there, leaving his deputy at Manchester United. Clean business," he concluded.

Rangnick has taken up managerial and administrative roles in different clubs including Stuttgart, Hannover, Schalke 04, RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg. He is expected to take charge of United on an interim basis till the end of the season, before transitioning to a consultancy role for another two years.