Ruud van Nistelrooy was cited as a candidate to take over at Manchester United but, after being overlooked, he will take up a role with the Dutch national team
Ruud van Nistelrooy has landed himself a coaching job in his homeland
Ruud van Nistelrooy has landed himself a coaching job in his homeland(Image: PA)
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Ruud van Nistelrooy has landed himself a new job just days after being overlooked for the Manchester United job as he joins the Netherlands.
The former Dutch striker, who scored 35 goals in 70 games for his national side, will come in as an assistant from February and work under Ronald Koeman. Van Nistelrooy has been out of work since he was axed by Leicester in the summer following their relegation.
The 49-year-old has previously served as an assistant at Old Trafford and, for a brief period, was the caretaker following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. Van Nistelrooy was then among three men considered for the head coach role until the end of the season.
He and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were edged out by Michael Carrick with Van Nistelrooy not even meeting the hierarchy, unlike the other two men. He had worked with Manchester bosses last season and they felt they knew what he would bring.
Despite being overlooked Van Nistelrooy has quickly found himself back in a job with the Netherlands bringing him into the fold for a second time, just months out from the World Cup as they bid to win a first major tournament since 1988.
A statement read: "Ruud van Nistelrooy will be part of the Dutch national team's coaching staff from February 1. The former striker will join Ronald Koeman as an assistant coach in preparation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Welcome back, Ruud!"
One of Van Nistelrooy's early coaching gigs saw him form part of Louis van Gaal's staff at the 2014 World Cup. He has also enjoyed managerial success in his homeland, taking charge of former club PSV and winning the Dutch Cup during his year at the helm, where he had a 64 percent win rate.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed by Leicester shortly after his spell with Man United, but was dismissed at the end of the season
Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed by Leicester shortly after his spell with Man United, but was dismissed at the end of the season(Image: Getty Images)
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The Dutch made the semi-finals of the last major tournament, eventually losing to England in dramatic circumstance in the last four. Koeman has retained his job ahead of the World Cup where the Netherlands will be among the European sides fancying their chances.
They have been drawn in a group with Japan and Tunisia with the fourth team still to be determined by a play-off. Koeman has said: “Maybe we are not considered the big favourite to win it, but we are a team that can surprise everybody.”
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