Manchester United are keeping Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford and he may soon have a new face added to his coaching staff.
After months of speculation, Erik ten Hag’s future has been settled.
Ineos have decided to keep hold of Ten Hag with Sir Jim Ratcliffe handing the Dutchman a chance to improve next season.
Ten Hag and United struggled for large spells last season but did end the campaign with an FA Cup final victory.
United fans have thrown their support behind Ten Hag and Ineos are happy to give him a chance to right the wrongs from last term.
There could be changes to the coaching staff though and one familiar face looks set to return to Old Trafford.
Rio Ferdinand on Ruud van Nistelrooy
United brought Steve McClaren back to the club in 2022, reuniting him with Ten Hag having previously worked together at FC Twente.
That move certainly made sense given his ties to Ten Hag and another former United man looks set to return.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is being lined up for a spot on Ten Hag’s coaching staff, more than a year since resigning as PSV Eindhoven boss.
A United hero from his playing days with 150 goals in 219 appearances, Van Nistelrooy was an absolute goal machine at Old Trafford.
Now looking to get back into coaching, Van Nistelrooy is being lined up for an emotional return to United.
The move has certainly caused excitement for United supporters, who would love to see Van Nistelrooy come back to the club.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand – who played alongside Van Nistelrooy – has now shared his verdict on the move.
Speaking on FIVE, pundit Ferdinand admitted that he would bring Van Nistelrooy into the club as soon as possible.
Ferdinand believes that Van Nistelrooy’s knowledge of how to play as a centre forward – particularly in terms of scoring goals – is perfect for Rasmus Hojlund’s development.
The Dane is talented but raw and could really benefit from a one-time goalscoring machine in Van Nistelrooy.
Ferdinand even joked that he would actually use Van Nistelrooy as a player, believing that he could still show United attackers a thing or two about scoring goals.
“Big shout – get him in ASAP,” said Ferdinand. “I would play him as well. I would bring him in just to show Hojlund how to play. Just to coach Hojlund individually, coach our forward players. If Ruud van Nistelrooy is on the table to come to this club, you bring him in and just for one purpose. I don’t care what else he can do – show these man how to score, show these man how to move in the box, show the wide players what a number nine wants and needs,” he added.
Van Nistelrooy to Manchester United: the latest
The rumours of Van Nistelrooy’s return only really started to accelerate on Sunday.
Reports suggested that United had made an approach to land Van Nistelrooy as he was considering a move to become a manager elsewhere.
Burnley are keen to appoint Van Nistelrooy as their new boss, leaving him with man interesting decision over a return to United.
Further claims from the Netherlands on Monday suggested that Van Nistelrooy is set to pick a return to United over a move to Burnley.
Reports indicate that Ineos want Ten Hag to sign a new contract before finalising the Van Nistelrooy deal, but everything seems to be moving in the right direction.
Hojlund should be relishing the chance to learn from Van Nistelrooy and his expertise in the final third should be a dream come true for United’s attacking players.