Manchester United have announced the return of club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy as an assistant manager to Erik ten Hag. Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 games during his illustrious five-year tenure with the Red Devils in the mid-2000s, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the club.
After retiring from playing, Van Nistelrooy embarked on a coaching career, most recently managing PSV Eindhoven until 2023. United confirmed Van Nistelrooy’s return on Thursday, along with the addition of former Go Ahead Eagles manager Rene Hake as another assistant to Ten Hag. Consequently, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have departed the club, although Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher remain part of the coaching setup.
Expressing his excitement, Ten Hag said, “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. 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.”
Ten Hag also paid tribute to the departing coaches. “Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a number one position; I want to pay tribute to his fantastic service over the past two years, and also to Benni for his important contributions. We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future.”
Sporting director Dan Ashworth echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strategic importance of the changes. “Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first-team operations, 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.”
Van Nistelrooy’s return marks a significant moment for Manchester United as they continue to build a strong and dynamic coaching team under Ten Hag’s leadership.
