Ruud van Nistelrooy backed to be Man Utd manager if Ten Hag is sacked as former employee lifts lid on working with him
RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is the United legend whose sniper’s eye for the target once made him the deadliest finisher in football.
His single-minded self-confidence brought 150 goals in 219 games — a century in the first three seasons — and a case to be called Manchester United’s greatest modern-day striker.
As an up-and-coming coach, Van Nistelrooy made such an equally blockbusting impact that two separate Holland bosses made him a key figure in their backroom team.
And one full season as a manager saw PSV Eindhoven win two trophies — before he quit, claiming the club were not backing him enough.
So when Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag brought Van Nistelrooy back to England as assistant boss in July, many hailed Ruud’s return as the best signing of his two-year tenure.
Now, just three games in, gags that Ten Hag had appointed the man who would one day take his job no longer look a joke, after a poor start.
Despite backing from on high, bookies rate the Dutchman as favourite to be the first Prem gaffer sacked and Ruud tops their list to replace him.
And one man who knows Van Nistelrooy better than most says bringing him back was a masterstroke.
Javier Rabanal was working his way through the coaching ranks at Willem II, when he got the call to join the Eindhoven backroom team.
Van Nistelrooy had been hugely impressed when the two met at Under-19 level and quickly added Rabanal, now boss of Independiente Juniors in Ecuador, to his staff.
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The Spaniard admits the focus was on harmony as much as hard work, with the manager demanding team spirit must match a fighting one.
United have been accused of lacking both under Ten Hag — none more so than Marcus Rashford, a misfiring misfit.
As a striker himself, if anyone can get him back on track it is Van Nistelrooy.
Rabanal said: “Ruud had a great connection with the players and it was great to see the relationship he had with everyone, from top to bottom.
“Although he was an elite footballer, a world legend, he is such a humble guy and so calm and unaffected by difficult moments.
“That doesn’t mean he wasn’t demanding but working with him was a pleasure. He was so infectious and created a really positive environment.
“Perhaps another person with that standing in football would have a massive ego. But he just knows how to talk to people and enthuse them.
“What really impressed me was he was available for anything, at any time for anyone and when he spoke, it was with real feeling, and I know he touched the players’ hearts.”
United could certainly do with Van Nistelrooy’s magic touch to get back on an even keel.
Whether that ends with their one-time centre-forward as manager remains to be seen — yet Rabanal is sure his pal will play a huge role.
He added: “Ruud is going to contribute so much. Working with him was a master’s degree in elite football.”
Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten Hag
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.