What Ruud van Nistlerooy will bring to Manchester United?

Ruud van Nistelrooy is back on his old stomping ground, not to pick up where he left off as a lethal goalscoring machine, but as Erik ten Hag’s new assistant coach. Ruud van Nistelrooy joined Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven in 2001 and spent five seasons as a player, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances for Manchester United. While at Old Trafford, he reaped numerous successes, including the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year trophy twice. Ruud knows the culture at Manchester United inside out; the former striker is back at United in a managerial position, hoping to lend his expertise both as a player and as a coach to try and restore the Red Devils’ former glory.  

Manchester United finished an agonizing 8th last season but surprisingly beat Manchester City 2-1 to lift their 13th FA Cup trophy, which inadvertently propelled them to compete in Europe next season. Irrespective of a miserable season under Erik Ten Hag’s leadership the new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS has decided to continue with the Dutch International. 

ALSO READ: Manchester United close to signing Arsenal Forward

Van Nistelrooy is regarded as a highly prolific goal scorer who is extremely clinical in front of goal. His excellent striking ability with both feet and his head has carved out a reputation that has placed him on a pedestal as one of the best strikers of his generation.  

Manchester United fell short of scoring goals last season. Therefore, the fans expect the former Netherlands international to improve Manchester United’s attacking pool, especially their recent acquisition of Joshua Zirkzee, former Atalanta Rasmus Hojlund, and academy graduates Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Van Nistelrooy's adept knowledge of the game and excellent positional sense, quick reactions, intelligent offensive movement, excellent ability to find space in the penalty area, and his ability to time his runs to lose his markers to beat the offside trap and get on the end of his teammates passes, will be helpful tools to equip these young guns with. 

“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,” Ten Hag said about the appointment of van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake as assistants. “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.” 

ALSO READ: Manchester United sell Greenwood to Marseille

Ruud managerial stints saw him overseeing Jong PSV and PSV Eindhoven, where he won the KNVB Cup with the latter. Manchester United has been making massive moves in the transfer window with two major signings, and a third on the brink of getting over the line. Eric Ten Hag sorted to sure up two areas that failed him the most last season. They conceded 58 goals last season; hence they have opted for the outstanding Leny Yoro from French club Lille and Joshau Zirkzee from Bologna to improve their, scoring at the other end of the pitch. 

Equipped with the appropriate players and backroom staff tools, the ball is in Ten Hag’s hand to deliver. If he doesn't get off to a great start in the 2024/25 season, fans might see the back of the Dutchman before Christmas. The squad is currently in preseason mode, mainly of Antony, Casemiro, Willy Kambwala, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Andre Onana, Marcus Rashford, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka those from the first team who didn't travel to Euro 2024 or Copa America 2024. 

 They have completed two games, having lost 1-0 to Rosenborg and won 2- 0 over Rangers. Next up is a trip to the USA. Hopefully, they will be joined by Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, and Tom Heaton, who were at Euro 2024 with England, and Alejandro Garnacho, Lisandro Martinez, and Facundo Pellistri, who were at the Copa America with Argentina and Uruguay.  

The Red Devils will take on Arsenal, Real, Betis, and Liverpool before tackling Manchester City in the Community Shield.  

ALSO READ: Manchester United Fieriest Rivalries in English Football