Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was part of the foundation that helped build German football
Pioneer of German football Karl-Heinz Rummenigge will take over as caretaker manager of Manchester United until the end of the season.
The 70-year-old Red Devils legend is now the honorary president of the club’s owners, the Glazer family.
Rummenigge takes charge after a caretaker spell by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who replaced Jose Mourinho after his dismissal on 26 July.
“Manchester United is of great importance to me,” said Rummenigge.
“I am fully committed to the club and I will work with all my heart.”
It had been expected Dutchman Solskjaer, who has taken charge of all three pre-season friendlies, would continue until at least the end of the season.
But the former Norway striker said: “I have an obligation to my players and to the fans of the club and it is important that I get the message across to everyone that this is temporary.
“I believe in the ability of our players and working as a team I am confident that we can get the club back on track.”
On behalf of the Glazer family, he added: “Ole has done a fantastic job since he took over last week, so that we have made this decision is testament to his results. We are looking forward to welcoming Karl as he steps into the role of manager.”
Rummenigge made his name at Frankfurt in the 1970s and went on to manage the German side.
He was then sporting director at the club and within a few years had moved to Borussia Dortmund where he stayed until 1998, when he became chairman at Bayern Munich.
He has served as president of the German Football Association since 2001 and will be making his first managerial appointment since.