Erik ten Hag has contacted Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy to discuss a possible return to Old Trafford as part of his coaching staff.
Van Nistelrooy established himself as one of United’s greatest-ever goalscorers during his spell in Manchester, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances for the club.
The Dutchman helped Manchester United win the Premier League in 2003 and two domestic trophies over the next two years before enjoying more individual and collective success at Real Madrid.
Since retiring in 2012, Van Nistelrooy has had several coaching stints in Holland and twice been assistant manager for the Netherlands’ national team.
The 47-year-old’s most recent gig was with Eredivisie giants PSV, who he helped win the Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup before leaving in May 2023 because of a ‘lack of support within the club’.
Van Nistelrooy emerged as a target for recently-promoted Premier League side Leicester City before they appointed Steve Cooper and recently-relegated Burnley following Vincent Kompany’s move to Bayern Munich.
But the legendary striker could be set for an emotional return to Manchester United, with Ten Hag approaching Van Nistelrooy about joining his coaching staff at the Theatre of Dreams.
Ten Hag is set to tinker with his coaching team after United decided to stick with the ex-Ajax boss despite speculation he would be sacked after an inconsistent 2023-24 campaign.
More to follow…
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