Wayne Rooney has thrown his support behind new Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick as the German bids to rebuild his old club’s season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked last month after a disastrous start to 2021-22 campaign, with a 4-1 defeat by Watford the final straw.

Rangnick’s visa application was approved on Thursday and he will watch from the stands as United face Arsenal at Old Trafford with Michael Carrick overseeing affairs for the final time.

Rangnick will then take charge himself, with his first match at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

And United legend Rooney, the Derby County manager, is supportive of the 63-year-old’s appointment at his old club.

‘Definitely right call for Michael to take the game and Ralf in charge for Sunday,’ Rooney, speaking ahead of Derby’s weekend game with Bristol City, said.

‘Hopefully he does very well. He comes with a good pedigree. Hopefully he can have a big influence on the club.’

Rangnick will work as interim manager until the end of the season before stepping aside for a longer term appointment.

He will then move into a two-year consultancy role with the Red Devils.

United are 10th in the Premier League but can go three points off the top four with a win over Arsenal.