Erik ten Hag has pinpointed Ruud van Nistelrooy's 'character and experience' as the primary reasons for appointing the Dutchman to his coaching staff.
Van Nistelrooy has arrived at Old Trafford as an assistant coach to Ten Hag amid an overhaul in the backroom team. Previous assistants Mitchell van der Grag and Benni McCarthy have departed, to be replaced by Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake.
His new role as an assistant to Ten Hag marks a return to the Red Devils for Van Nistelrooy. The former striker previously spent five years at the club as a player, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances between 2001 and 2006.
After retiring in 2012, he transitioned into coaching, rising up the ranks at PSV Eindhoven to take charge of their senior team in 2022. He left that role after only a year, though did win the KNVB Cup.
While he has not worked in football since leaving his job as PSV boss, Ten Hag believes that experience can help him at United. The United boss also insisted that Van Nistelrooy's previous spell at Old Trafford can be a huge boost.
“I think we did well. We achieved what we wanted to achieve, but we can’t sit still. We want to go forward and we are so pleased to get Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake in, to bring some new dynamic, to bring some new initiative and innovation,” Ten Hag said.
“First of all, his character has brought him so far and it’s an example for everyone here in the building. Of course, he will also bring some DNA of Manchester United in, but that character is such a strong driver and that is also what he shows as a coach.
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Manchester United)“He has such a highly interesting profile, he’s so ambitious, he has the skills and he already has a lot of experience. He’s assisted the Dutch squad, in PSV he did the Under-19s as a manager, he did the Under-21s, Jong PSV, who were playing at the second level.
"Then he was manager of the first team. So much experience, but very young, very ambitious, very driven. With his skills and his intelligence, he will help all the players and the team.”
Van Nistelrooy has also been welcomed to his new role by sporting director Dan Ashworth. The executive is hoping that his stunning record as a player at United can translate into success for the current team.
“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," Ashworth said.
“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.”
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