Ruud van Nistelrooy is the legendary Dutch former player who became a Manchester United fan favourite during his remarkable spell at Old Trafford.
The highly revered Manchester United legend made a long-lasting impact on football after a magnificent playing career at the top level.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was an important first-team player during his time at Manchester United under legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The former United star is held in high esteem among his former club teammates and is widely regarded as one of the best Premier League strikers of all time.
Van Nistelrooy has been tipped for a sensational return to Old Trafford and could soon link up with Erik ten Hag as part of the manager’s coaching staff.
But who is Van Nistelrooy? What was his life like at United and beyond Old Trafford?
Here is everything United fans need to know about the iconic Dutchman, including his career in both coaching and football management.
How old is Ruud van Nistelrooy?
Van Nistelrooy was born on 1st July 1976 and the Dutchman is currently 47 years old.
The Manchester United legend will turn 48 years old on 1st July 2024.
Van Nistelrooy’s height
Van Nistelrooy is believed to be 1.88m, which would make the former United star’s height 6ft 2in.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s position
Van Nistelrooy was predominantly known as a centre-forward across his legendary playing career.
The Manchester United legend was deployed as a striker under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford.
Did Van Nistelrooy win the Premier League?
Van Nistelrooy lifted only one Premier League title during his prolific spell under United legend Ferguson.
The Dutchman captured the Premier League trophy at the end of the 2002-03 season.
How long was Ruud van Nistelrooy at Man Utd?
Van Nistelrooy spent five seasons at Manchester United between 2001 and 2006.
Did Van Nistelrooy play for Real Madrid?
Van Nistelrooy left United in 2006 and completed a blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid.
He made 96 appearances for the Spanish club and scored 64 times during his three-and-a-half seasons at Real Madrid.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s trophies
Van Nistelrooy captured major silverware during his time at PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
The Dutchman lifted two Eredivisie titles and a Johan Cruyff Shield as a player at PSV before his move to Old Trafford.
During his time at the Red Devils, Van Nistelrooy won a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a League Cup.
Van Nistelrooy left United and signed for Madrid in 2006, with the Dutchman capturing two La Liga titles and a Spanish Super Cup with Los Blancos.
How many goals did Van Nistelrooy score for Man Utd?
Van Nistelrooy had an impressive goalscoring record at Old Trafford and the former United striker scored 150 times in 219 appearances.
How many goals did Ruud van Nistelrooy score outside the box?
Only one of Van Nistelrooy’s 150 goals for Manchester United was scored from outside of the box.
The former United striker found the back of the net from outside the penalty area in a 3-1 win over Charlton Athletic at The Valley in November 2005.
How much was Van Nistelrooy?
Van Nistelrooy was a British record transfer at the time he signed for United.
The Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford in 2001 after United agreed to a £19m deal with PSV.
When did Ruud van Nistelrooy retire?
Van Nistelrooy called it time on his legendary playing career in 2012 after a brief spell with Spanish side Malaga.
Why did Van Nistelrooy retire?
Van Nistelrooy admitted in 2012 that he was keen to play in the Champions League one final time, but he believed that it was the right time to retire.
“I’ve played my last match in my professional career,” he said, as per BBC Sport.
“I wanted to play in the Champions League, but it is the moment to leave. I have arrived at my physical limit and I can’t play at the maximum level.
“I couldn’t have had a better send-off than this. I feel happy that I am the one taking this decision.”
Why did Ruud van Nistelrooy leave Man Utd?
Van Nistelrooy handed in a written transfer request after his relationship with former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson fractured.
Real Madrid came in for the out-of-favour Dutchman and signed Van Nistelrooy for a reported £10.2m from United.
Did Van Nistelrooy play with Ronaldo?
Van Nistelrooy played with Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo both at United and Real Madrid.
The former United striker also shared the pitch with Brazil legend Ronaldo during his time at Los Blancos.
What happened between Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy?
Van Nistelrooy was reportedly involved in a training session bust-up with Cristiano Ronaldo when they played together at Old Trafford in 2006.
The former United striker was unhappy with Ronaldo’s habit of keeping the ball instead of finding his teammates and the pair were involved in a fight.
Did Van Nistelrooy make Ronaldo cry?
According to The Independent in 2006, Van Nistelrooy mocked Ronaldo and told him to complain to his ‘his dad’ amid their bust-up.
The Dutchman’s ‘daddy comments’ were referring to former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, but it is believed Ronaldo took his words at face value.
Ronaldo was ‘clearly upset’ by Van Nistelrooy and broke down into tears due to his father, Jose, passing away at the age of 52 in September 2005.
Is Ruud van Nistelrooy married?
Van Nistelrooy has been married to Leontien Slaats since 2004 and has a daughter and a son from his relationship with his wife.
Why did Van Nistelrooy leave PSV?
Van Nistelrooy took his first steps into management with former club PSV in 2022 and stepped down from his role ahead of the final match in the 2022-23 season.
PSV revealed in a club statement that the United legend stepped down with “immediate effect” in 2023 due to a “lack of support within the club.”
Van Nistelrooy did capture a Dutch Cup in his one and only season as PSV head coach.
What team does Ruud van Nistelrooy coach?
Van Nistelrooy has been a free agent since he resigned as PSV manager in 2023.
Van Nistelrooy’s coaching career
Van Nistelrooy has been a coach for PSV Under-17s and the manager of PSV Under-19s in his career.
The former United striker was also an assistant coach to Guus Hiddink for the Netherlands national team.