Manchester United might just have struck the perfect balance.
How would they bring in a new assistant coach who would be willing to work in conjunction with Erik ten Hag? How could they avoid undermining the manager with a new, club-driven hire.
And how could they put an end to the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s own future in the process?
Well, the potential Old Trafford homecoming of Ruud van Nistelrooy may provide an answer to at least some of these questions. The legendary striker is a confirmed admirer of the man currently sitting in the Manchester United hotseat.
Van Nistelrooy and Ten Hag appear to share similar footballing philosophies too. What’s more, it would be a move that earns Ineos a lot of popularity points early in their Old Trafford reign, Van Nistelrooy one of the most popular figures in the club’s modern history.
There is, however, one thing Ten Hag must do before he is joined by his fellow Dutchman at Carrington.
Ruud van Nistelrooy nearing Manchester United return
The Telegraph reports that, while talks are progressing nicely on the Van Nistelrooy deal, it is also ‘contingent’ on Ten Hag putting pen to paper himself.
United confirmed a fortnight ago that, despite talks with a host of managers including Thomas Tuchel and even Marco Silva, Ten Hag would be staying on. However, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2025, there is still a lack of long-term security with regards to his role.
Ineos therefore want to extend Ten Hag’s contract to ensure that discussions over his future do not continue to dominate the headlines.
Van Nistelrooy, meanwhile, could be a potentially transformative arrival behind the scenes. As one of the finest and most complete centre-forwards of the 21st century, a largely misfiring Man United frontline can surely only benefit from his vast font of knowledge.
Particularly Rasmus Hojlund. A 21-year-old striker of considerable potential but very much a rough diamond in need of some polishing. Hojlund clearly relished a brief conversation with another iconic Man United frontman in Robin van Persie when he visited his old club a few months back.
The chance to work with Van Nistelrooy on the training pitch day in, day out, then, could potentially be the making of Hojlund in Manchester.
A legend may be on his way back to Old Trafford
A Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup winner under Sir Alex Ferguson, Van Nistelrooy has been out of work since leaving PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2023. It was he, however, who helped lay the foundations for PSV’s current success under Peter Bosz, bringing through youngsters such as Johan Bakayoko.
Van Nistelrooy may also aid United’s pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Both men have a great admiration for each other, Branthwaite having spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan in the Netherlands.
“There is a long history of great Dutch coaches,” Van Nistelrooy said during an insightful talk with the Coaches Voice recently. “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.”