Following Erik ten Hag’s sacking, it was announced that former Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy would be taking over as the interim head coach of the club after serving as an assistant. It may be a short period with all signs pointing to Ruben Amorim of Sporting Club becoming the next permanent manager of the Red Devils. This won’t happen by their EFL Cup fixture facing Leicester City on Wednesday, which means that Van Nistelrooy is set to become the ninth manager to coach a game for Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson left in May of 2013.
He could also end up overseeing United on Sunday when they host Chelsea, a particularly important fixture since the Blues are leading the charge for a top-four place which is where United will want to be.
So who is the new interim boss? Van Nisterlooy’s senior coaching experience is limited but he has had quite a few stints in the Netherlands. Here’s what to know:
Managerial history
Essentially right after hanging up his boots, Van Nistelrooy spent time working with the PSV under-17s and then assisted Guus Hiddink and the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup. He would then return to PSV in June of 2018, this time with the under-19 team, and again spent time working with the Netherlands under Ronald Koeman heading into the 2020 Euros.
In 2022, Van Nistelrooy, 48, got his first crack at coaching a senior team leading PSV following Roger Schmidt’s departure. While he signed a three-year contract and began winning the 2022 Johan Cryuff Shield and 2022-23 KNVB Cup, Van Nistelrooy resigned with one match left in the season due to lack of support from management.
It was a relatively successful season finishing on 75 points and scoring the most goals in the league at 89, but Van Nistelrooy’s PSV came in second to Arne Slot’s Feyenoord in the Eredivisie. While it was a season to be proud of, that was a sour note but it wouldn’t be the end of his managerial journey.
Van Nistelrooy was appointed to be a Man United assistant in July of 2024 but now will take charge as the interim head coach while being assisted by the current staff. Having coached talented young players like Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons, there has been plenty of space for Van Nistelrooy to have an influence on the current squad and according to ESPN, he has gained the support of players in the squad as well.
With a status as a former player and having learned from great managers around the world, while this spell in charge of United could be short, it may also be what helps propel Van Nistelrooy into his next role.
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