Ruud van Nistelrooy explains responsibilities of new Man Utd role after Old Trafford return

Ruud van Nistelrooy is back at Manchester United as a coach (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Manchester United favourite Ruud van Nistelrooy is back at Old Trafford after agreeing to sign up for boss Erik ten Hag’s new-look coaching team earlier this summer

After rejoining Manchester United, Ruud van Nistelrooy believes he and Rene Hake will have a beneficial influence alongside Erik ten Hag.

During his playing career, the Dutchman scored 150 goals in 219 games with the Red Devils. As part of a coaching change, he was enticed to return to Old Trafford earlier this summer.

With Mitchell van der Gaag, Ten Hag’s former No. 2, leaving, assistant managers Van Nistelrooy and Hake, the former head coach of Go Ahead Eagles, have taken over. Steve McClaren, who accepted the position of head coach of the Jamaica national team, is likewise ready to move on.

Even though Van Nistelrooy was a No. 1 at PSV Eindhoven in the past, he acknowledges that the allure of coming back to United kept him from accepting his new position.

In an interview with Manutd.com, he stated: “To be fair, it’s special to be back.” It was great, really, when United initially offered the chance to be assistant manager.

“I never gave it much thought, but when it happened, I had no choice because of the character I would be playing. Naturally, I remember flying into Manchester at that time and seeing Carrington, Old Trafford, and the town, as well as how much had changed and how much remained the same. That makes it unique. It feels really good to be back.

Before the new season begins in two weeks, the 48-year-old continued by outlining what he and United’s other new No. 2, Hake, may bring to Ten Hag.

When asked to describe his strategy, he replied, “On a collective level, it’s important to get the different game phases into the team, what is expected in the pressing, in the build-up, in the mid-block, or in all the phases of the game.”

Like, it’s obvious: what do we want? What is the desired execution method and how can we include it into the training pitch? Naturally, I believe that the manager and I are both in agreement with it. From there, you try to influence people or groups.

We are unquestionably the strongest when we are all on the same page. That is our goal, and while it will take time, I believe we are off to a solid start.