Paul Merson rates Ralf Rangnick's chances of being Manchester United manager next season

Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson has joked that he has as much chance of being in charge of Manchester United next season as Ralf Rangnick.

Merson has frequently been critical of United's appointment of the German on an interim basis since his arrival in November and has struggled to understand the club's thinking ever since turning to the former RB Leipzig chief.

Rangnick has overseen a steady start to life at Old Trafford, but has failed to have the instant, big-noise impact that he would have hoped for, automatically sparking questions why the club felt he was the right man to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a short-term basis.

Discussing United's current fortunes on Gillette Soccer Saturday, Merson outlined the importance of United recruiting a big-name manager as soon as possible.

Asked if Rangnick will remain United manage next season, Merson told Sky Sports: "No, 100 per cent not. Definitely not. I think I have got as much chance of being charge. I don't see it [Rangnick staying].

"If you need Manchester United to move on... I read something that they have improved, I don't see that."

Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling then put some stats to Merson in an attempt to convince him how United have improved statistically under Rangnick, pointing out that they have averaged a better points-per-game ratio.

Merson, however, was having none of it, highlighting how important it is for the club to install Solskjaer's permanent successor as soon as they can.

He continued: "It depends on the games and who they were playing against.

"I just don't see the happiness there. I hear about so much coming out of Manchester United at the moment which is just extraordinary. It has never happened before and that