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Legendary Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed that the allure of returning to Manchester United was simply too great and when the club extended an offer for him to join in a coaching capacity, he couldn’t say no.
Earlier last month, United confirmed the arrivals of Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake.
Since then, several players including academy graduate Joe Hugill have lauded Van Nistelrooy for his impact at the club.
More recently, Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans waxed lyrical about the former talisman and his influence on the training ground.
Van Nistelrooy seemed set to become the next Burnley manager until United swooped in and proposed his inclusion in Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff.
The 48-year-old spoke to club media and talked about being back at United. He admitted that he’s looking forward to the reception from fans at Old Trafford when United return to Premier League action a week on Friday.
“I can’t wait to walk through that tunnel again and meet Old Trafford, sold out again, and have a little wave at the Stretford End. That brings back the memories and a good vibe, you know, for the lads hopefully to get a good start to the season.”
“It’s special to be back, to be fair. I mean, when United first came in with the opportunity to become assistant manager, it was fantastic. I never thought of it, but when it occurred, it was something that I couldn’t refuse, with the role that I was going to fill.”
“Of course, then [I was] flying into Manchester, [seeing] Carrington and Old Trafford and town and how much changed and how much is still the same. So it’s special. It’s very special to be back.”
Van Nistelrooy lifted the lid on his coaching approach, which emphasises one-to-one touch. The Dutchman has demonstrated a propensity for seeking out players and holding individual chats with them on how best to improve.
“On a collective level, it’s important to get the different game phases into the team, what is expected in the pressing or in the build-up or in the mid-block or in all the phases of the game. Like clear: what do we want? How do we want the execution to be and how do we translate it into the training pitch?”
He added, “I think we both are aligned with that and also with the manager, of course, and from there on you look to make an influence on individuals or units. In the end, when we’re on one page, then we are definitely the strongest. That’s our aim and it will take time, but I think we had a good start so far.”
For his sit-down with club media, Van Nistelrooy was accompanied by Hake. Hake left his position as boss of Go-Ahead Eagles to become a coach at United.
When quizzed about this course of action, Hake revealed that it was a “no-brainer” to accept the challenge at Old Trafford.
Hake explained, “It’s already been a long journey to be a coach, after all the different types of roles I had in coaching. So, from youth teams to assistant coach to manager and, then, an opportunity to work in a club like Manchester United, and to work in the Premier League.”
“That’s a big challenge for me, to be part of that but, also, to bring my experience here and, in this way, I can contribute to playing better as United. For both Ruud and I, I think it is our experience in coaching [that will prove crucial]. Of course, everybody brings specific things but it was nice when we met each other and talked a lot about our philosophy, our way of work.”
“When we talked about it, [we realised] we have a lot of connection in that. I think that we can be very strong to help our manager, to bring it to a higher level, with the experience we have and bring that together.”
“The first question – if you wanted to join – this was a no-brainer in that way. But I already told you I can work at this level. And, of course, I’ve been managing. So I know what it takes to be in that role.”
Hake pointed out that his responsibilities also revolve around helping other staff members to find solutions that will elevate United’s performance levels.
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