Football
Ruud van Nistelrooy Secures New Job After Man Utd Caretaker Manager Role Snub
Ruud Van Nistelrooy has make a high-profile return to the international stage, having been confirmed as the new assistant coach for the Netherlands national team.
The former Manchester United forward has been out of job since he was sacked by Leicester City. Van Nistelrooy is now set for a new adventure under the managerial guidance of Ronald Koeman.
Van Nistelrooy joins Koeman’s Netherlands backroom staff as he aims to bolster the Oranje attack ahead of the World Cup this summer.
This would be Nistelrooy’s third spell with the national side as they prepare for the global stage.
Van Nistelrooy will officially join the technical staff on February 1, tasked with aiding head coach Koeman in the crucial months leading up to the World Cup this coming summer.
Ruud van Nistelrooy during his time as Leicester City manager . (Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
He had been regarded as an option to take over as United boss again following Ruben Amorim’s recent sacking, but the Red Devils opted to hire Michael Carrick instead.
By returning to the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), Van Nistelrooy steps away from the day-to-day grind of club management to focus on tournament football, a format where intensity and preparation are paramount.
Van Nistelrooy joins an already experienced team that includes Erwin Koeman and Wim Jonk, bringing the total number of assistants to three.
Ronald Koeman has highlighted the specific value the former Real Madrid and PSV star brings, particularly regarding the development of the squad’s attacking options.
“Ruud has shown that he can really add something to our staff with his own style and vision of football,” Koeman stated regarding the appointment. “He knows the laws of football at the very highest level. Because of his background as a striker, he can also assist our attackers individually. There are multiple reasons why he is a very valuable addition to us.”