Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick made a winning start to life at Old Trafford with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The German secured three points courtesy of a rare Fred goal in the second half which extended the Red Devils’ unbeaten run to four matches.
Except for Michael Carrick, who opted to leave the club following his three-game stint at interim manager, Rangnick has inherited the coaching staff that worked alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before the Norwegian was sacked last month.
However, press conference prior to United’s Champions League tie against Young Boys, Rangnick revealed that he has made two additions to his staff.
“We have decided to bring in a sports psychologist, Sascha Lense, I worked with him for three years at Leipzig,” Rangnick said.
“We know each other. He will be introduced to the team as soon as he’s got his visa. I hope we’ll have him on board by Thursday.
“I will also have another assistant coach with Chris Armas. He was at New York Red Bulls when I met him. He will again hopefully be able to join us in the next few days.”
On the appointment of Lense, Rangnick added: “I don’t know what the situation is like in England. Most German clubs have employed a psychologist. For me it is logical. If you have special coaches for goalkeeping, strikers, fitness, you should also have an expert for the brain.”
“Not to put them on the red sofa, or hold hands, for me it’s about helping the players know the brain should assist the body, not work against it. For me everyone in the team should think the right way. Whenever we speak about football, the major part is up here [the brain].
“He’s a former player, hands on, not caught too much in the theory. Having worked together at Leipzig I know we can benefit from him. For me it’s vital on top level you should have the best person possible on this job.”
United have already secured their place in the last-16 of the Champions League as group winners having picked up 10 points from five matches.
And with a trip to Norwich City to come on Saturday evening, Rangnick says he will give squad players the opportunity to shine at Old Trafford.
“Everybody has the chance. That’s why I’m happy to give game-time to quite a few of those players tomorrow.”
