Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy could be set to make a return to the club.
Manchester United investors Ineos want to make changes at Carrington and one involves a potential change to Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.
Fabrizio Romano reports Ruud van Nistelrooy has been offered a role at Old Trafford. It is unclear whether he would be an addition to the group, or a replacement.
Van Nistelrooy has previously worked as an assistant for the Dutch national team and as a manager at PSV Eindhoven.
One of the players he coached at PSV was Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite, of who he is a big fan.
Manchester United fans predict Ruud van Nistelrooy outcome
Ruud van Nistelrooy has a growing reputation as a coach and has been recently linked with replacing Vincent Kompany at Championship side Burnley.
It is therefore a little unclear whether he will jump at the chance to join United. But if he does, fans have a theory that a big future could lie ahead for the Dutchman.
While Erik ten Hag was recently retained as manager after a review, he could just as easily be removed if results slide next season.
And with Van Nistelrooy on scene, Ineos may have a ready-made successor, at least on an interim basis.
One fan wrote on X: “INEOS speaking to Ruud van Nistelrooy about taking up a role under EtH. Looks like a decoy move to me because any slip up from the manager then RvN succeeds him as an interim without a shadow of a doubt.”
Another added: “There is no doubt if Ten Hag gets sacked mid season, Ruud will take over. Saying that I am all for it.”
A third fan agreed: “IF Ten Hag fails to deliver next season then having Ruud Van Nistelrooy there to take over would be great.”
Another supporter wrote: “This is bigger news than Erik ten Hag extension. Ruud van Nistelrooy is a potential manager replacement level coach.”
And one more agreed: “If Ruud is smart he chooses Man United because a couple bad games and he becomes caretaker with a big chance of getting the job full time.”
Another added: “I think Ruud could very much take over on a permanent basis if things don’t work out with ETH.”
What Van Nistelrooy has said about Erik ten Hag
Van Nistelrooy recently explained he had spent time in coaching sessions learning under Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, another of his former clubs.
Speaking to the Coaches’ Voice, he also made his view clear on current United boss Erik ten Hag.
He said: “There is a long history of great Dutch coaches, and I have so much admiration for the careers they have had.
“Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff, Louis van Gaal, Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat, and now of course Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot.
“It is motivational for me to continue learning, to continue improving myself, and maybe one day make the steps to show I am capable of that. It’s a fantastic challenge, and I’m looking forward to taking it on.”
Potentially getting the chance to work under Ten Hag at United should be very appealing to him, and will only set him up for further challenges ahead.