Three-time Manchester United top scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy has been offered a coaching role on manager Erik ten Hag’s staff, according to a report.
Former PSV Eindhoven head coach Van Nistelrooy spoke to Championship side Burnley about their managerial vacancy this week, BBC Sport reported, but Fabrizio Romano has now said United have approached the 47-year-old.
Van Nistelrooy led PSV to second place in the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup glory in 2022/23. He previously had spells as Netherlands assistant manager and in charge of PSV’s reserve team.
🚨 EXCL: Ruud van Nistelrooy has been approached to be part of Erik ten Hag’s new staff at Manchester United.
Up to van Nistelrooy as he’s also strong candidate to be new Burnley manager to replace Kompany, decision next week 🟣🔵
Changes could take place in #MUFC staff. pic.twitter.com/Nq6qaEcVlN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2024
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Van Nistelrooy: Burnley snubbed?
The ex-Den Bosch and Heerenveen striker made his name by averaging almost a goal a game for PSV between 1998 and 2001, proceeding to win every major trophy in England with United between 2001 and 2006.
He scored 95 goals in 150 Premier League games before leaving for Real Madrid, where the two-time Dutch Footballer of the Year won La Liga twice.
Widespread reports had said Ten Hag would be sacked irrespective of United’s fortunes in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, which they won 2-1 against arch-rivals and Premier League champions Manchester City.
In an equally surprising development, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group, which has taken over the football side of the club, then asked Ten Hag to stay.
With the gaffer at Ibrox after the game. 💯 pic.twitter.com/635rZ0StJS
— Ruud van Nistelrooij (@RvN1776) August 17, 2022
Ten Hag United coaching staff
“The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,” Ten Hag told Dutch TV channel NOS, via BBC Sport. “They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.
“Manchester United told me that they spoke with [Thomas] Tuchel but eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.
“Ineos took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect on the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.”
United’s eighth-placed finish in 2023/24 was their lowest position in the Premier League era and they exited the Uefa Champions League in fourth place in their group.
Former Ajax manager Ten Hag added that he is yet to agree the terms of a new deal with the 20-time Premier League winners.
