Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has emerged as the leading candidate to take over as Leicester City’s manager following the dismissal of Steve Cooper. This comes just weeks after Van Nistelrooy’s brief tenure as United’s interim boss came to an end.
Van Nistelrooy had joined Erik Ten Hag’s coaching staff at Manchester United during the summer but was thrust into the managerial role in October after Ten Hag’s sacking. Despite leading United to three wins in four matches, including back-to-back victories over Leicester, his stint ended with the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach.
Leicester City sacked Cooper on Sunday after a disappointing start to the season, with the former Nottingham Forest manager earning only 10 points from 12 Premier League games. Cooper’s assistants, Alan Tate and Steve Rands, were also dismissed, leaving first-team coach Ben Dawson to take charge temporarily.
According to The Telegraph, Van Nistelrooy has now become the frontrunner for the Leicester job, with his appointment expected before the club’s upcoming match against Brentford this weekend.
The Telegraph said, “The Manchester United legend has held extensive talks with the Leicester hierarchy this week and is set to be confirmed as the replacement for Steve Cooper, who was sacked by the strugglers on Sunday afternoon.
“Van Nistelrooy is crucially available with no compensation after recently leaving United, following an interim spell of four matches in charge after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.
“Leicester have discussed the post with the 48-year-old and, while the club’s hierarchy has been determined to explore a number of options, could appoint the former Netherlands international before the trip to Brentford on Saturday.”
This would mark Van Nistelrooy’s second stint as a senior manager, following 11 months at PSV Eindhoven.
Despite expressing his desire to remain part of United’s coaching setup under Amorim, Van Nistelrooy was not retained. Reports suggest that Amorim did not establish communication with Van Nistelrooy during his interim period.
“Other possible candidates, including former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and ex-West Ham manager David Moyes, have both been ruled out by sources close to Leicester,” the report added.
Given his recent success in stabilizing Manchester United during a turbulent period, Van Nistelrooy’s potential move to Leicester has sparked intrigue.
Should the appointment be confirmed, Ruud van Nistelrooy tipped for Leicester manager role after United exit Ruud van Nistelrooy tipped for Leicester manager role after United exit will aim to rejuvenate the Foxes, who are looking to turn their season around under new leadership.
