What Ruud van Nistelrooy’s true impact as Man Utd coach will be and ‘hands on' role

Rene Meulensteen is backing Ruud van Nistelrooy to suceed as Manchester United’s assistant manager, describing him as “hands on” and “meticulous”. The former Netherlands striker is set to join Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at Old Trafford, with an official announcement expected imminently.

Van Nistelrooy, who netted a remarkable 150 goals in 219 games for the Red Devils from 2001 to 2006, is making a return to the Theatre of Dreams after a year at the helm at PSV. Despite the move being somewhat unexpected, given that he was tipped to continue in head coach roles and was even linked with the Burnley job, Meulensteen, 60, believes it’s a golden chance for Van Nistelrooy, 48, to make an impact at a top club.

Former United assistant Meulensteen said (via Free Bets): “For Ruud, it’s an opportunity to go back to United and work with a really big club. I know Ruud really well, had some really good conversations with him and discussed opportunities for myself to work with him at PSV before this was announced.

“He had a strong sense of doing well as a number one, was linked with the Burnley job as well,” he added. “In football you have to be clear in what suits you in terms of what you want. I felt Ruud had a very strong sense of being a number one and staying number one, but it all depends on the conversations he had with Erik.”

Despite United’s struggles last season, Meulensteen views the addition of Van Nistelrooy as a positive step. The hope is that the Dutchman’s prowess as a former prolific striker will help rectify the offensive shortcomings that saw United finish in eighth place in the Premier League.

Meulensteen, who was close to joining Van Nistelrooy at PSV, believes the former player will bring the same dedication to coaching that he demonstrated as a player. Discussing the potential impact, he said: “He’s somebody who knows the club, knows what’s expected for a club the size of Manchester United, so I do think it’s a good appointment.

“Erik must have had some good conversations with him in what he wants. It’s hard for me to tell you what sort of coach he is, as I’ve never worked with him in that capacity. But I know him from when I was working with him as a player.

“And if he’s anything like what he was as a player, he’s a top, top professional. Very meticulous in everything that he does and I wouldn’t expect anything else from him as a coach. I’m sure he’ll be hands on.”

Meulensteen expressed his satisfaction with United’s proactive measures to improve their performance. Alongside Van Nistelrooy, experienced coach Rene Hake has joined Ten Hag’s team, and Jelle ten Rouwelaar is anticipated to become the new goalkeeping coach, arriving from Burnley.

“There’s another coach in Rene Hake who’s a friend of his who’s worked with him at Utrecht, and I think it’s all part and parcel of the review,” Meulensteen added. “The club will have looked at why were there so many injuries and where did they come from? A lot of times, that has something to do with the training regime.

“Training too much, too long, too intense at times. It’s a big shake up with regards to the backroom staff, because basically the goalkeeper coach and host of others are leaving, with new people coming in. The whole playing squad will look at a new set of staff, aside from Erik of course.”