Van Nistelrooy admits Ten Hag influence in Man Utd comeback

Ruud van Nistelrooy had a stellar career at Manchester United, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances for the Red Devils. The former striker is now back at United as part of the staff, however, he admits that heavy influence from manager Erik ten Hag pushed him to return to Old Trafford. 

The Dutchman was in charge of PSV Eindhoven, stepping down from the role after just over a year. He was in line to take over Vincent Kompany's Burnley, however, plans changed completely following a phone call from Ten Hag, which brought Van Nistelrooy back to Man United. 

“This is 100 per cent the right decision,” he told 'TNT Sports'. “I felt a strong feeling that I want to help build United little by little back to where we feel and know where the club should be. I was on a managerial track. I managed PSV, it was an unbelievable experience. I was in talks with clubs to manage and I love it [managing]. I had my staff all ready and then I had a phone call. I never even saw this as a possibility. Erik called me and talked it through. I started to love the idea.” Van Nistelrooy has now taken the role of assistant manager, working alongside Rene Hake as part of the club's coaching staff.

Reflecting on Van Nistelrooy and Hake recently, Ten Hag said: “They have done brilliant. They are doing very well, they’ve integrated very good. They are different. Ruud was a striker, Rene was more a midfielder defending. But more, their character is different and is very good. Together, with also Darren [Fletcher] and Andreas [Georgson, another summer arrival], I think we form a very good staff.”

 

September 24, 2024