Manchester United legend van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford as Ten Hag continues shake-up

Manchester United legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy | Imago

Manchester United legend van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford as Ten Hag continues shake-up

Ayoola Kelechi 18:01 - 11.07.2024

The former star striker has returned to Manchester United as part of Erik Ten Hag's managerial set-up

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has returned to Old Trafford to join the coaching staff under compatriot Erik Ten Hag.

Van Nistelrooy joins Rene Hake as new assistant coaches for Manchester United’s first team under Ten Hag as the club under new leadership continues to make changes within its sporting side.

Van Nistelrooy returns to Manchester United

After winning the KNVB Cup with PSV during his one-year spell as manager, van Nistelrooy decided to leave the job at the end of the 2023 season after falling out with the higher-ups.

Following his exit, van Nistelrooy had been without a club before returning to his old stomping ground as a coach for the Red Devils.

During his esteemed playing days, van Nistelrooy starred for Manchester United and was a lethal force for the Red Devils, scoring 150 goals in only 219 appearances during his five seasons at Old Trafford.

Manchester United welcome van Nistelrooy and Hake

Following van Nistelrooy and Hake’s appointment, Manchester United manager Ten Hag said, Erik ten Hag, first-team manager, 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.”

Manchester United’s new sporting director, Dan Ashworth also commented on the recent additions, saying, “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.”

The two coaches will get to work with Manchester United’s brimming squad as well as new addition Joshua Zirkzee.