Man Utd to offer Van Nistelrooy interim manager position - reports

Under-fire Ten Hag has not impressed Manchester United in recent matches. The Red Devils sit in 13th position in the Premier League and have not been able to win a match since the 7-0 goal fest against Burnley, which dates back to the 17th of September. Reports claimed that following United's tragic defeat to Tottenham, the club's board gave the Dutch head coach until the international break to turn things around ahead of a final assessment on his future. 

Since, Ten Hag has only managed to come away with two draws - against Porto on Thursday and Aston Villa on Sunday - and now many are expecting him to be relieved of his duties once players are back from their respective national sides. As per 'The Mirror', assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is in pole position to take over from Erik ten Hag as Man United are ready to offer the former striker the job on an interim basis. Van Nistelrooy is up for the role after making his return to Old Trafford in the summer - the assistant maanger gave up the opportunity to become Burnley's manager to join the Red Devils.

While United would only offer him a temporary position - should Ten Hag be sacked - reports claim that Van Nistelrooy is reluctant to accept it he does not want to be portrayed as an opportunist. The ex-player is reportedly wary that the situation at Old Trafford could become similar to that at PSV Eindhoven. Van Nistelrooy managerial experience PSV Eindhoven ended on a bitter note just after one season when he accused assistant Fred Rutten and multiple PSV players of conspiring against him with the Dutch club’s directors. 

Reports in the Netherlands also indicate that the Man United legend is likely to reject the offer, with a source from Holland stating: "Van Nistelrooy is a principled guy. He felt betrayed at Eindhoven - and he will not want to be viewed as the man who went behind Erik ten Hag’s back."

 

October 5, 2024