Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to return to management
Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly close to making a swift return to management as the new Leicester City manager - and a Manchester United reunion date has already been set.
The former United interim manager is set to replace Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium, according to The Times. Leicester announced Cooper's departure last week after securing only two victories in his 12-game tenure.
The 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea proved to be Cooper's final game in charge. Van Nistelrooy meanwhile, recently left United after leading United to three wins in four games as interim manager following the departure of Erik ten Hag.
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There was no role at Old Trafford for the Dutchman following Ruben Amorim's arrival as he brought in his own coaching staff. However, Van Nistelrooy is now set to take over at Leicester with the Times adding that 'extensive talks' were held between the two parties this week.
Leicester have been keen to appoint a manager available with no compensation. While Leicester are said to have been 'determined to explore a number of options', the club could appoint the former United striker before their away clash at Brentford on Saturday.
Leicester, who lost 3-0 at Old Trafford when Van Nistelrooy was in charge earlier this month, will host United on March 15. That will see him face his former club for the first time in his managerial career.
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter and ex-West Ham boss David Moyes were also riding high in the bookies as potential replacements but close sources to the club have ruled both out.
Van Nistelrooy has briefly managed PSV Eindhoven where he won the KNVB Cup in the 2022/23 campaign. During his interim spell at United, he guided the club to two wins against Leicester, in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.