Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick may be about to become the new boss of the Austria national team, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Rangnick struggles in charge

The 63-year-old replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last year, taking up an interim role until the end of the season and looking to turn United's fortunes around.

In truth, Rangnick has struggled to impress, however, proving unable to lift the Red Devils' performance level and suffering some damaging Premier League defeats against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.

The German has been linked with taking up a director of football role at Old Trafford when Erik ten Hag comes in, but a new update suggests that may not happen.

The Latest: Key update emerges

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Sky Germany's Plettenberg claimed that Rangnick is in talks to become Austria's new manager, with an announcement even possible on Friday:

"What a development, it’s true what @KURIERat is reporting! Rangnick is close to become the new head coach of Austria! Nothing is signed yet. Last details have to be clarified now. Announcement of the big deal could follow tomorrow."

Some reports have suggested he could perform both the national team role and serve as a consultant at United, but that is not yet confirmed.

The Verdict: Potential loss

While Rangnick has struggled as manager - in fairness, the players need to have a look at themselves - not having him in a different role moving forward could be a blow, given his expertise and experience, namely within the Red Bull model, who are known for their incredible recruitment.

The hope was that he and Ten Hag could potentially dovetail with one another, in terms of recruitment and the overall running of matters, but that ship looks to have already sailed, and it's hard to imagine he'll be 100 per cent focused in a consultancy role if serving as Austria boss at the same time.

It is hard to begrudge Rangnick a national side job, but if a late change of heart happens, it could still be better for United to have his full attention on Old Trafford.

In other news, United have been linked with a move for a defender. Find out who it is here.