Man Utd’s win over West Ham boosts Ralf Rangnick’s hopes of bumper bonus

Man Utd manager Ralf Rangnick will net a huge bonus if he can guide the club to the Premier League top four – and they gave their Champions League hopes a major boost with a win over West Ham

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In pictures: Man Utd v West Ham

Manchester United gave their top four hopes a major boost with a late win over West Ham – and strengthened Ralf Rangnick’s chances of landing a huge bonus.

The German manager was appointed as interim boss after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.

He is earning £180,000-a-week in the role – but will earn a one-off payment of close to £500,000 if he leads Manchester United to Champions League qualification, according to the Daily Star.

West Ham – led by former United boss David Moyes – have emerged as surprise contenders to break into the top four with United and several rivals struggling to string together results.

But a late Marcus Rashford winner handed the Red Devils a vital win over the rivals to leapfrog them and move into fourth as Rangnick chases a huge pay-day.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Man Utd finish in the Premier League top four? Join the discussion in the comments section.

Speaking after the win, Rangnick hailed United’s fans for their role in the victory – as well as giving an insight into the dressing room celebrations amongst his players.

“The red army’s support during the game was amazing. I can only say thank you to all the fans,” he told BBC Match of the Day.

“It’s always good but today was massive and they were also aware of how important this game was. They pushed us through the whole game.

“The atmosphere (in the dressing room) is amazing. Quite rightly the boys were celebrating. They know what a massive win this was.

“Those are the best kind of wins when the other team has no time to come back. We are extremely happy with the performance and the level of physicality we played with, bearing in mind we played three days ago at Brentford.”

Despite the stoppage time winner, Rangnick suggested his players had got a little careless in their pursuit of a goal and sometimes could have chosen a better option.

“I think in the end we deserved to win,” he added. “It takes patience to play West Ham. A few moments at the end I wished we would have passed the ball instead of shooting from wherever.

“I am very pleased the three subs prepared the goal and scored the goal. All were involved. That makes it even more important.

“I would love to have those two points from Villa Park, but with 17 points now we are pleased.”