If Manchester United decides to split company with Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy is allegedly under consideration as a carer manager. The Guardian reports.
Having guided United to their worst-ever Premier League start, Erik ten Hag is under more and more pressure. With just eight points from seven games, the squad presently ranks in 14th place despite spending around £200 million ($261.7m) on new acquisitions during the summer transfer window.
Reports state that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s United hierarchy will convene Tuesday at an executive summit in London to decide Ten Hag’s future. Should the Dutchman be terminated, Van Nistelrooy, assigned as an assistant manager this summer, is reported to be on “standby” in case a permanent replacement is not found.
Van Nistelrooy as a Fallback Caretaker
Manchester United star Ruud van Nistelrooy is a popular temporary choice because of his relationship with the team; he scored 150 goals in 219 games between 2001 and 2006. Before joining Ten Hag’s coaching team on a two-year contract in July, the former striker guided PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 season. Van Nistelrooy is apparently reluctant to take over, though, since it would be viewed as betraying his fellow Dutchman.
Van Nistelrooy would probably be a well-liked figure among supporters, but United’s issues go much beyond the managerial level. The club’s performance has been lackluster, hence changing managers might only solve some of the more general problems the squad faces.
The next days could decide not only Ten Hag’s destiny but also the course the team follows ahead. United is making important decisions.
