Rangnick to stay at Manchester United even if he becomes Austria’s head coach

Ralf Rangnick is considering becoming Austria’s head coach, with the Manchester United interim manager to continue as a consultant to the club if he accepts.

If the 63-year-old does take the national team job Rangnick could be confirmed in the role this week. After United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, he was asked about taking charge of Austria.

“I’d like to speak tonight about Man United and our game and the rest of the season. I can definitely confirm that I will continue at the end of this season with my consultancy role,” said Rangnick.

Related: Manchester United’s Ronaldo pegs back Chelsea amid anti-Glazer unrest

“I wouldn’t say I would be a big part moving forward, but we have agreed on the content and time of my consultancy role though as I have said I haven’t spoken to Erik [ten Hag, the incoming manager] yet. I’m more than happy and willing to help and change things for the better.

“It would leave space for another job but that was what we agreed when I started the job in November. Tonight is the Chelsea game and let us speak about that.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 23rd goal of the season cancelled out Marcos Alsono’s opener. While Chelsea now have 66 points after 33 games and are third, six points ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal, United are sixth with 55, five behind the Gunners.

Wins in United’s final three games – against Brentford, Brighton and Crystal Palace – will mean they would equal their lowest ever Premier League points total of 64 points, of the 2013-14 season, under David Moyes. Asked about avoiding a new low, Rangnick said: “It was overall a difficult season. We could have quite a few more points, I wouldn’t say easily but realistically we should have more. We dropped out of the Champions League against