Ruud van Nistelrooy makes a sensational return to Manchester United, signing a two-year deal as Assistant Manager to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff and bring his legendary expertise back to Old Trafford.
Manchester United have brought Ruud van Nistelrooy back to Old Trafford after appointing their former striker and his fellow Dutchman Rene Hake as Erik ten Hag’s new assistant managers.
In order to make up for Ten Hag’s remaining time on his extended contract, Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in his five seasons as a Sir Alex Ferguson player from 2001 to 2006, and Hake have agreed to two-year contracts.
Former assistant coaches Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have left United as part of a coaching change, while technical director Darren Fletcher and Steve McClaren have remained at the club, taking up new roles as senior first team coach and first team coach, respectively.
Van Nistelrooy was PSV Eindhoven manager in 2022-23, winning the Dutch Cup and finishing second in the Eredivisie and was recently interviewed for the Burnley job, which eventually went to Scott Parker.
Hake, an old ally of Ten Hag, has managed Go Ahead Eagles for the last two seasons, leading them to ninth place in the Eredivisie last year.
Ten Hag said: “I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff. Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”
Sporting director Dan Ashworth added: “Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first team operations, and refreshing the coaching staff is an important part of that. It’s a particular pleasure to welcome Ruud back to the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player, and I know that he and Rene will help reinforce the winning mentality and high standards we are aiming for.”
Van der Gaag, who had been Ten Hag’s assistant at Ajax as well, has left to pursue his ambitions to be a manager in his own right.
