Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has been urged to address two key areas at Premier League side Leicester City after his appointment as head coach.
That is according to BBC pundit Danny Murphy, who is “excited to see” what the former Manchester United and Netherlands striker can do at Leicester City.
Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford in the summer and became part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at the Red Devils for the 2024-25 campaign.
However, Erik ten Hag endured a disastrous start to the Premier League season and the Dutchman was axed by the Red Devils in late October.
Van Nistelrooy, who was assistant manager under Ten Hag, was installed as interim United boss for four matches before the arrival of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
The 48-year-old United legend won three matches and picked up a draw as interim Red Devils boss before he left Old Trafford in November.
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Leicester City Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy during the Leicester City Training Session at Seagrave Training Complex on December 01, 2024 in Leiceste...
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Murphy’s warning to Van Nistelrooy
Steve Cooper was axed by Leicester City in late November after 12 Premier League matches, with the Foxes in 16th place at the time of his sacking.
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Ruud van Nistelrooy was snapped up by the Premier League strugglers and the former Manchester United assistant manager inked a deal until June 2027.
The new Leicester boss was not retained by United manager Ruben Amorim after the former Sporting CP head coach arrived at Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy’s only major managerial experience came back with former side PSV Eindhoven during the 2022-23 campaign.
The United legend led PSV Eindhoven to a Dutch Cup before he stepped down from his role in 2023 due to his differences with the club’s hierarchy.
Danny Murphy insisted that Van Nistelrooy must immediately “build some confidence” with his players and for them to ‘enjoy’ playing their football again.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day (via the Metro), he said: “He’s got a hell of a job.
“I think the first thing is about trying to build some confidence and getting the lads enjoying their football again.
“And then he’s got to make a decision on what style because obviously the fans have been a little bit disgruntled with Steve Cooper’s pragmatism.
“But they can’t play too open because we saw what happened today [against Brentford].
“They’ve got some half-decent fixtures coming up. Four home games in the next six is not a bad start for him. I’m excited to see what he can do.”
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Van Nistelrooy becomes Leicester manager
Leicester are currently 16th in the Premier League table and the Foxes are only one point above the relegation zone, with the club managing only two league wins.
Van Nistelrooy’s first match in charge of the Foxes will be against West Ham at the King Power on Thursday, with kick-off slated for 8:15pm UK time.
Speaking after his appointment as Leicester manager, Van Nistelrooy said: “I’m proud, I’m excited.
“Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City is enthusiastic. They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive.
“I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the football club.”
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