A photograph of Ruud van Nistelrooy accompanied with the message ‘Welcome to United’… It feels like 2001 all over again.
After 18 years away, the legendary striker returns to Old Trafford. This time around, his job will not be to bang in the goals, it will be to teach Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and co the tricks of the trade he mastered during a prolific spell at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s appointment as Man United’s new assistant coach was finally confirmed on Thursday. The former Premier League champion arrives alongside fellow Dutchman Rene Hake as Erik ten Hag’s staff becomes the latest Red Devils department to be given a shake-up by Ineos.
Van Nistelrooy is the appointment that will garner the most interest.
A £19 million signing from PSV Eindhoven at the turn of the century, Van Nistelrooy will forever be known as one of the finest centre-forwards in Man United’s storied history. A second spell at his beloved old home gives the 48-year-old the chance to extend his legacy.
Manchester United unveil Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake
But do not sleep on Rene Hake’s arrival.
This is a man who was nominated for the Dutch manager of the year award only a week or so ago, after all, following an outstanding campaign for an overachieving Go Ahead Eagles outfit.
Hake and Ten Hag go way back too. The latter played a role in the former joining FC Twente’s youth staff back in 2005 and they have stayed in touch ever since.
Only now, with Hake unveiled next to Van Nistelrooy on United’s official website, the relationship between him and Ten Hag need not be so long distance.
“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,” Ten Hag smiles.
“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.”
Man United have confirmed, in the same statement, that popular striker coach Benni McCarthy and Ten Hag’s long-serving right-hand man Mitchell van der Gaag have both departed.
Van Nistelrooy and Hake, meanwhile, are the latest behind-the-scenes hires to arrive on Ineos’ watch after Jason Wilcox, Chrisopher Vivell, Dan Ashworth and more.
Dan Ashworth explains Ruud and Rene Hake hires
“Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first-team operations,” new sporting director Ashworth explains. “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.”
Fred Rutten worked alongside Van Nistelrooy at PSV Eindhoven in the 2023/24 season, while admiring the work of Hake from afar.
Speaking to ESPN, Rutten believes that the arrivals of both at Man United could prove to be a masterstroke.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy is a legend. Rene Hake is a name that is less appealing, but he is very skilled. That is probably what Erik needs,” Rutten said.
“(Van Nistelrooy) sees the game well. He can provide excellent training in the sense that he has a goal in mind, and then achieves that goal. If he gives a message, (the players) don’t just take it for granted, they take it very seriously.
“But Rene Hake can do that very well too. In that respect, they fit together well.
“Everywhere he has worked, the team is good. Rene is very skilled in training theory, you can see that. His teams are always quite fit.”