Manchester United are looking to strike a deal to bring Ruud van Nistelrooy back to the club.
Dutch legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is wanted back at Manchester United as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.
Fabrizio Romano reports Erik ten Hag will shortly sign a new contract, with Van Nistelrooy expected to join his staff.
The former Dutch striker’s return to Old Trafford, where he starred as a player, is ‘advancing fast’ after first being reported at the weekend.
Van Nistelrooy has previously worked as PSV Eindhoven head coach and Netherlands assistant, and his potential move to United is a big talking point in his homeland.
Van Nistelrooy has United assistant or Burnley manager choice
Ruud van Nistelrooy was linked with the vacant Burnley job, as a replacement for Vincent Kompany, prior to the Manchester United return option emerging.
It would be a tempting role, the chance to manage an English club for the first time in his career.
But then, to chance to return to his former stomping ground at Old Trafford is also a very high-profile role, even as an assistant.
Dutch journalist Mike Mike Verweij told De Telegraaf’s Kick-Off podcast that Erik ten Hag, rather than Ruud van Nistelrooy, would be the winner from the former striker’s return to United.
He said: “The reason why Ten Hag is taking him in that direction is of course to be an extra shield for Ten Hag. Of course, Van Nistelrooy should never want that.”
Valentijn Driessen expressed that he feels the Burnley job would be the more ambitious choice for Van Nistelrooy, reported by FCUpdate.
He said: “He always showed himself to be very ambitious and was ready for a job as a head coach, preferably in a competition in which he has played. So then you end up with Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and England.
“Then you can become head coach of Burnley, who are good for former players. And you are working on your way and would like to return to the Premier League.
“Then I find it incomprehensible that you would choose a position as Erik ten Hag’s first, second or third assistant, while you could become head coach of Burnley.”
Driessen added that there is one scenario where he would deem it acceptable if Van Nistelrooy chose the United gig over the Burnley one.
He commented: “Unless you contractually agree that you will be Ten Hag’s successor, then it is a different story. But I don’t think so.”
Reaction to Van Nistelrooy return links
There has been a positive reaction to the speculation Ruud van Nistelrooy could be hired at Manchester United.
And while the prospect of succeeding Erik ten Hag permanently is not currently on the table, United supporters have suggested he could end up as a ready-made interim replacement, should he be needed.
Ineos are willing to bring Van Nistelrooy on board, once Ten Hag has put pen to paper on a new deal.
Former teammate Rio Ferdinand has welcomed the prospect of Van Nistelrooy returning, and adding his expertise, commenting that it could potentially help striker Rasmus Hojlund in particular.
Looking back on his own days at Carrington, Ferdinand hailed Van Nistelrooy as the best finisher he has ever seen.