The Red Devils have had a disappointing season after finishing second in both the Premier League and the Europa League last season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bearing the brunt of the blame.
Even with minor improvements, his replacement has struggled to stem the rot, and now Rangnick has admitted that ensuring top-tier European football once more must be a key priority.
Rangnick said in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side's trip to Brighton this week, "Right now, this is precisely what Manchester United needs and wants - to finish fourth in the league."
"This is the pinnacle of our accomplishments." To continue, the Champions League is not an easy one.
Rangnick is certain that United must not look past the present, saying: "I know what it will take for next season, but now is not the time to talk about it. My entire emphasis is on tomorrow, getting the most out of this season, and then it's time to talk about the next few years' steps."
Rangnick has only lost one game in over a dozen since taking over from Solskjaer, but the team's inability to convert stolid draws into triumphs has caused concern among fans and commentators, with some big outcomes dropped.
The 63-year-old discussed the significance of sports psychologist Sascha Lense in the club's return to Champions League action next week against Atletico Madrid.