Manchester United has officially confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake have signed two-year contracts to become part of Erik ten Hag's backroom staff. The latest move comes as part of a strategic refresh of the coaching team, to build on the successes of the past two years for Erik ten Hag. Van Nistelrooy enjoyed five prolific seasons as a striker at the club after joining in 2001 with the Dutchman scoring 150 goals for the club, making him the 11th most goal-scoring player for Manchester United.
Ten Hag expressed his enthusiasm about the new additions: "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."
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Sporting director Dan Ashworth also welcomed the changes: “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.”
While van Nistelrooy and Hake join the team, Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher will remain as senior first-team coach and first-team coach, respectively. Former coaches Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have left the club. Ten Hag acknowledged their contributions: “Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a number one position; I want to pay tribute to his fantastic service over the past two years, and also to Benni for his important contributions. We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future.”
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