Ruud van Nistelrooy return to Manchester United confirmed as Erik ten Hag makes coaching changes
Ruud van Nistelrooy is back at Manchester United as an assistant coach.
The legendary former United striker has been appointed to work as an assistant to Erik ten Hag on a two-year contract, alongside fellow Dutchman Rene Hake.
5
Van Nistelrooy was at their Carrington training ground on Monday with the club announcing his and Hake's appointment on Thursday.
Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher remain as part of Ten Hag's coaching staff while Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have left the club.
Ten Hag said: “I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff.
"Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”
Read more on Man United
Meanwhile, Man United sporting director Dan Ashworth said: “Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first-team operations, and refreshing the coaching staff is an important part of that.
“It’s a particular pleasure to welcome Ruud back to the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player, and I know that he and Rene will help reinforce the winning mentality and high standards we are aiming for.”
United players not involved in tournaments this summer, including Euro 2024 and the Copa America, have begun their return ahead of the early days of pre-season. That includes Marcus Rashford, who was left out of England's Euro 2024 squad.
Both Van Nistelrooy and Hake have extensive experience, and have managed at the highest level in their native Netherlands.
Most read in Football
5
5
Hake has left his role at Go Ahead Eagles having led them to ninth in the Eredivisie last season, to join his old friend Ten Hag.
The pair previously worked together at FC Twente's academy.
Van Nistelrooy, meanwhile, is well known to English football fans.
He famously played for Man United from 2001 to 2006, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances for the club before signing for Real Madrid.
5
The Dutchman helped the club to a Premier League title, as well as an FA Cup and League Cup during his time at the club.
Having retired from playing in 2021, he went on to work at PSV Eindhoven in their academy and eventually became head coach in May 2023.
After winning the 2022/23 KNVB Cup, he resigned with one match remaining in the 2022/23 Eredivisie season, citing a lack of support at boardroom level.
He was recently interviewed for the vacant manager's job at Burnley following Vincent Kompany's move to Bayern Munich.
The changes to the coaching team at Man United come after it was confirmed Ten Hag will continue as boss next season, despite huge speculation over his future.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose INEOS purchased a 25 per cent stake in the club last season, conducted an extensive end of season review.
This also included speaking to several potential replacements for Ten Hag, including Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino.
5
Now United have put their faith in Ten Hag, and he is shaking things up in an attempt to transform their fortunes after their worst-ever Premier League finish last term (eighth).
United are also closing in on two new signings.
They are making progress on deals for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and defender Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
Read More on talkSPORT
Mason Greenwood, meanwhile, will exit the club after an impressive loan spell with LaLiga club Getafe and will not return to United training as he negotiates a transfer away.
The future is less clear for Jadon Sancho, who was also loaned out last season, to Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.
New striker, Dutch defender and surprise left-back could make new-look Man United line-up under Erik ten Hag
Topics