Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former Manchester United striker, could be set for a quick return to Premier League management. According to reports, Leicester City have approached Van Nistelrooy to replace Steve Cooper, who was sacked on Sunday. Journalist Rudy Galetti revealed on X that Leicester City have made Van Nistelrooy their “priority” target. “Leicester have approached Ruud van Nistelrooy to explore the negotiation margins to replace Steve Cooper on their bench,” Galetti said.
Van Nistelrooy, 48, has been out of management since his brief stint as interim manager of Manchester United. During his four-game tenure, the Red Devils won three, drew one, and did not taste defeat.
Van Nistelrooy’s impressive record in his previous full-time role as manager of PSV Eindhoven’s youth team has caught the attention of several clubs. His record includes 51 games won, 33 drawn, 10 lost, 126 goals scored, and 60 goals against, with a win percentage of 64.71%.
The Dutchman’s experience and success in management make him an attractive candidate for Leicester City. “David Moyes and other names are under evaluation, but Leicester would like to convince the manager (van Nistelrooy) as a priority,” Galetti added. However, Van Nistelrooy is not the only candidate being considered by Leicester City. John Percy from The Telegraph has named Graham Potter as another candidate under consideration at the King Power.
Potter remains unattached having last managed Chelsea in 2023. Meanwhile, Sky Germany reports that one of Van Nistelrooy’s former clubs, Hamburg, is also considering hiring the manager.
Hamburg sacked their former boss Steffen Baumgart on Sunday, and Van Nistelrooy’s name has been discussed internally. “Hamburger SV are considering Ruud van Nistelrooy. Following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, Hamburg are now exploring several options,” reporter Florian Plettenberg said on X.
Van Nistelrooy played for Hamburg between 2009-11, and the club is hoping to capitalize on their prior connection. “Van Nistelrooy was already a topic of discussion before Baumgart became head coach. Back then, there were already concrete talks with the Dutchman,” Plettenberg added.
