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Michael Carrick will take charge of Manchester United for Thursday's Premier League game against Arsenal with incoming interim manager Ralf Rangnick yet to finalize his visa.

Carrick has been in the dugout for United's last two games -- a win against Villarreal in the Champions League and a Premier League draw with Chelsea -- but the club had hoped to have Rangnick in place for a crucial clash with Arsenal after announcing his arrival on Monday. However work permit issues have delayed the German's formal appointment to such an extent that he will now no longer be able to take charge.

United will now aim to have Rangnick in place for Sunday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace with a European game away to Young Boys (available to watch on Paramount+) next on the fixture list. To add to the complications facing the Old Trafford hierarchy, that match could be moved from Old Trafford due to the spread of the Omicron variant around the continent.

Rangnick is believed to have arrived in England before new rules came into force in the country, meaning that once his work permit is finalized he will be able to begin work.

Carrick is unbeaten in two games in charge and saw his side eke out a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, a match in which the caretaker manager insisted Rangnick had no say in selection. That may yet change for the visit of Arsenal now that the 63 year old's appointment has been finalized.

It is a match of major significance in United's hunt for a top four place. They are currently five points off West Ham and Arsenal having won just one of their last eight Premier League games.