Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre is backing Ralf Rangnick for success as interim manager.

The ex-RB Leipzig chief, 63, has signed a six-month deal until the end of the season to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Silvestre, 44, told The Sun: “Rangnick is good news. We know what he wants from his players, he has a plan and knows how to execute it. It's a good appointment, I'm pleased with it.

“It looks like a replica of Ole's situation - take the job as an interim, if you pass the test you get it for much longer.

“It is smart because it gives both sides time to see if there is a match - from the club's management and Ralf's perspective.

“There is a mid-term plan and it could be the one that takes United to being title contenders.

“Not this season but his mission is to finish in the Champions League which is hard enough.

“You have to be sensitive and consider the gap in quality and performances. There is enough quality in the squad to finish in the top four - that is where they should finish."