'Erik called me' - Former Man United striker reveals turning down key opportunities for Old Trafford return
Manchester United have improved both their squad and coaching staff this summer.
Ruud van Nistelrooy joined Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff to bring glory days back to Old Trafford.
In a short interview with Man United legend Rio Ferdinand, Van Nistelrooy admitted he was in talks with other clubs for a managerial role but chose to return to the Theatre of Dreams.
He said (via TNT Sports): “It’s 100% the right decision. I felt a strong feeling that I want to help build United – little by little – back to where we feel and know where the club should be.
“I was on the managerial track. I managed PSV – an unbelievable experience – and I was in talks with clubs to manage, and I love it.
“I had my staff all ready, and then I had a phone call. I was like, ‘jeez’. I never thought of it as a possibility.
“Erik called me. I said I had to think about it, but I immediately felt, ‘wow’. I started to love the idea. Especially the big picture where it’s a new start with the new ownership and leadership.
“It’s not [in the] job description [to help rebuild the culture], but I want to bring in [things like], ‘what is Man United’.
“The players know, they’ve been here a long time, what it’s about. What it’s like to be seen on the pitch. It’s typical what United fans want to see. They want roughness in attacking and defending.
“You want to bring that across to spark a fire and the players are brilliant. They’re all committed, they’re all on board.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return seems a masterstroke
Not every day you see someone willingly step down from a managerial role to embrace the challenges of a coaching staff position, but that’s precisely what Van Nistelrooy chose to do.
He was doing a fine job with PSV and could have continued.
Driven by an enduring passion for United, he made the heartfelt decision to return to Old Trafford.
Trading the spotlight of management to bring the Red Devils back to the top shows his love for the club.
The Dutchman has the potential to unlock the true talent of United’s forwards.
Despite their undeniable talent, they have struggled to find consistency in their performances.
Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund could imbibe the aggressiveness Van Nistelrooy used to offer during his playing days.
Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Amad Diallo are very young. Van Nistelrooy could help them understand the value of playing for this big club.
Garnacho has had a great start to the 2024/25 season with Rashford also picking up form in recent games.
Finding the back of the net was tough for United last season. Van Nistelrooy’s job is to get the misfiring attack together and help them click better.