After 18 years, Ruud van Nistelrooy has made a dramatic return to Manchester United, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong presence that’s quickly won the respect of everyone at Old Trafford.
During a recent training session at the University of California, Los Angeles, it was Van Nistelrooy’s Dutch-accented commands echoing across the field, not Erik ten Hag’s.
While Ten Hag observed from the sidelines, Van Nistelrooy was in his element, orchestrating drills designed to enhance the team’s ability to stretch the play and create scoring opportunities.
With a track record of 150 goals in 219 appearances for United, his expertise in finding the back of the net is clear.
Van Nistelrooy’s return comes after a long absence, marked by a fallout with Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant, Carlos Queiroz, which led to his departure to Real Madrid.
At 48, he’s stepping into the role of assistant manager, teaming up with Rene Hake, a familiar face from his days in Dutch football. Their arrival signals a significant shift in the coaching staff, with Ten Hag and the co-owners, Ineos, keen to refresh the team’s dynamic while keeping Ten Hag in charge.
The coaching staff has seen several changes this summer.
Mitchell van der Gaag has left to seek managerial opportunities, while Steve McClaren has transitioned to a senior first-team coach role, staying back at Carrington to work with players reporting late due to international duties.
Van Nistelrooy and Hake, alongside new goalkeeper coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar, are now integral parts of the pre-season setup.
Fletcher’s Familiarity and Van Nistelrooy’s Impact
Darren Fletcher, who once received lifts to training from Van Nistelrooy when he was a young player, is now joining the coaching team full-time.
The camaraderie between them extends beyond the pitch, with Fletcher recalling how he used to lend Van Nistelrooy box sets.
Van Nistelrooy’s experience is seen as invaluable, not just for the forwards but also for defenders, with Jonny Evans noting his obsession with defensive structures from his time in Spain.
Van Nistelrooy’s Return to United
Although Van Nistelrooy was a candidate for several managerial positions, including at Burnley, returning to United was his clear choice. Despite his success as a manager at PSV Eindhoven, he chose to be the assistant at his old club.
This decision underscores his dedication and love for United.
A Dynamic New Coaching Team
Alongside Van Nistelrooy and Hake, Andreas Georgson has been appointed to focus on set-plays and player development, while Ten Rouwelaar is working with the goalkeepers on playing out from the back.
The coaching changes reflect a bold new direction for United, one that aims to recreate the success Van Nistelrooy enjoyed during his playing days.
A Promising Future
Van Nistelrooy’s presence has already made a significant impact.
His thorough understanding of the game and his detailed approach to coaching are evident in his interactions with players like Marcus Rashford and Joe Hugill.
Tom Heaton, who admired Van Nistelrooy’s finishing skills as a young player, is thrilled to have him back, confident that his insights will be invaluable.
Overall, United’s new coaching setup, led by Van Nistelrooy, promises to bring a fresh and exciting dynamic to the team, aiming for the kind of success the club has long aspired to.
Mine Crypto. Earn $GOATS while it is free! Click Here!!TDPel Media
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!