Football fans, brace yourselves! The iconic Ruud van Nistelrooy is back at Manchester United! Known for his incredible goal-scoring prowess, Van Nistelrooy has joined the coaching staff in a thrilling reshuffle. This marks a new chapter for the Red Devils as they aim to reclaim their glory days with the expertise of one of their all-time greats. Get ready for some electrifying changes on and off the pitch! 🏟️⚽
Ruud van Nistelrooy has rejoined Manchester United as an assistant to manager Erik ten Hag in a significant coaching staff overhaul.
Van Nistelrooy, who had an outstanding tenure as a striker with United from 2001, scoring 150 goals and ranking 11th on the club’s all-time scoring list, returns after leaving the club under contentious circumstances following a fallout with Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Dutchman had been without a job since resigning as PSV Eindhoven’s manager near the end of the 2022-23 season, despite winning the Dutch Cup, due to player dissatisfaction with his coaching style.
Joining van Nistelrooy as an assistant manager is Rene Hake, who resigned from his position as the head coach of Go Ahead Eagles. Both have signed contracts extending to 2026, coinciding with Ten Hag’s own recent contract extension.
“I am thrilled that Rene and Ruud have decided to join our team, bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge, and fresh energy,” Ten Hag commented. “This is an opportune moment to rejuvenate our coaching staff as we aim to build on our recent successes and reach new heights.”
Previous assistant Mitchell van der Gaag has departed to seek managerial opportunities, and forwards coach Benni McCarthy has also left the club. Steve McClaren will continue as the senior first-team coach, and former United midfielder Darren Fletcher will transition from technical director to a first-team coaching role, a position now filled by Jason Wilcox.
These changes come amid broader organizational shifts, including Dan Ashworth’s recent appointment as sporting director and the upcoming confirmation of Omar Berrada as chief executive.
“Erik and I are committed to enhancing every aspect of our men’s first team operations, and refreshing the coaching staff is a crucial part of that,” Ashworth stated. “We are particularly pleased to welcome Ruud back, knowing that he and Rene will contribute significantly to fostering the winning mentality and high standards we aspire to.”
