Manchester United players’ affection for Ruud van Nistelrooy is reported to be a big reason behind Leicester City’s decision to hire him.
He joined Erik ten Hag’s coaching shakeup in the summer but when the manager was sacked in October, Van Nistelrooy became interim manager.
Despite only being in post for four games, the crowd and Dutchman lapped up the experience, winning three and drawing one of the matches, scoring 11 times and conceding three goals.
Van Nistelrooy was not only popular with the fans due to his exploits on the pitch 20 years ago, but also built up a strong bond with numerous players with Andre Onana claiming that he and the players 100% wanted him to stay at the club.
However, it was not to be as incoming coach Ruben Amorim decided to bring in his own tried and trusted coaching team to the club.
Van Nistelrooy did not have to wait long however for his next appointment as it was confirmed yesterday that he would be the new head coach of Leicester City, who sit 16th and only one point above the relegation zone.
While some may question the Foxes’ choice to appoint such an inexperienced manager in such a dire situation, Football Insider sources claim that “Man United players’ response to Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s interim spell played a key role in his imminent appointment as the new Leicester City boss.”
This stands in contrast to former manager Steve Cooper who was believed to be “struggling to win over the players, and they are desperate to avoid a repeat situation.”
“This belief was echoed by the Leicester board, who decided his ability to form strong relationships and command the respect of the players would be key to his success.”
The outlet also says that his “impressive CV” outweighed concerns about his lack of experience as a top-level manager.
United fans will one hundred percent be behind their own exciting young coach Ruben Amorim but will likely keep a closer eye than usual on the relegation zone this season.
Two former coaches and potential future United managers in Van Nistelrooy and Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town will be aiming to display their managerial talent in the hope that one day, those in the corridors of power at Old Trafford will take notice.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
