INEOS looks to bring back former Manchester United legend in support staff

Manchester United after a poor performance in the 2023/24 season, qualified for the UEFA Europa League group stage after winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City. They finished 8th in the league table and after a dismal show, the INEOS management decided to part ways with Erik ten Hag. However, the newly appointed management kept the Dutch manager after a long review. The Red Devils will be going under reshuffling for the upcoming season and some new faces will be added. 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is asking former club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy for a return to the club and to be a part of Erik ten Hag's support staff. The former PSV Eindhoven boss is in talks to become the assistant of the 54-year-old manager. He had been identified by the club as a way of shaking up Ten Hag’s backroom staff. 

The former striker has an impressive record during his two years in management with PSV, helping the club to the KNVB Cup in 2023 with a 65% win percentage. He left the Dutch club at the end of last season. Previously it was rumoured that he has been in talks with recently relegated club Burnely who is without a coach after Vincent Kompany left the club and joined Bayern Munich. 

A dream comeback awaits Nistelrooy

The 47-year-old will make a historic comeback after 18 years, spending four years at the Theatre of Dreams, scoring 150 goals in 217 matches. As per Fabrizio Romano, There are very good chances. What I’m hearing is that Ruud van Nistelrooy is very tempted by the possibility of going back to Manchester United. He’s still keeping his options open, but in the last 24 – 48 hours, Van Nistelrooy is really tempted … to make this new experience as assistant coach. So I think there’s a very good possibility."

United is also looking to sign some strikers in the upcoming summer window with Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee as one of the targets for the side. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prioritising a new defender and central midfielder. Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton has already been linked with a deal of £43 million, but other options are being looked into.