Ruud van Nistelrooy was mentioned as a candidate to manage Manchester United but will now take up a role with the Dutch national team after being passed over
Ruud van Nistelrooy takes up a coaching job in his home country (Image: PA)
Ruud van Nistelrooy has started a new job just days after being dropped from his job at Manchester United when he joined the Netherlands.
The former Dutch striker, who scored 35 goals in 70 games for the national team, will join as an assistant in February and will work under Ronald Koeman. Van Nistelrooy has been without a job since being sacked in the summer following Leicester’s relegation.
The 49-year-old was previously an assistant at Old Trafford and briefly served as manager following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. Van Nistelrooy was one of three candidates considered as head coach until the end of the season.
He and Ole Gunnar Solskjær were narrowly overtaken by Michael Carrick, and Van Nistelrooy, unlike the other two, wasn’t even in the division. He worked with the Manchester managers last season and felt they knew what he would bring.
Despite being overlooked, Van Nistelrooy quickly returned to work, leading him to his second appearance at the World Cup, where the Netherlands are looking to win their first major tournament since 1988.
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The statement read: “Ruud van Nistelrooy will be part of the coaching staff of the Dutch national team from February 1st. The former striker will join Ronald Koeman as assistant coach in the run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Welcome back, Ruud!”
One of Van Nistelrooy’s early coaching jobs saw him become part of Louis van Gaal’s staff at the 2014 World Cup. He has enjoyed success as a manager in his homeland, taking charge of his former club PSV, winning the Dutch Cup and posting a 64 per cent win rate during his one year in charge.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed by Leicester shortly after his spell at Man United, but was sacked at the end of the season (Image: Getty Images)
The Netherlands reached the semi-finals in the last major tournament, but ultimately lost to England in the last four in dramatic circumstances. Coach Koeman has kept his job ahead of the World Cup, and the Netherlands will be among the top teams in Europe to take a chance.
The grouping between Japan and Tunisia has been decided, and the fourth team will be determined through the playoffs. “People probably think we are not the favorites to win, but we are a team that can surprise everyone,” Koeman said.
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