Manchester United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly in line to take over as caretaker manager if the club decides to sack Erik ten Hag. According to The Guardian, Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford will be discussed at an executive summit in London on Tuesday, chaired by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The Dutchman’s position is under scrutiny. Ten Hag has overseen United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season as they sit 14th in the table with just eight points from seven games. This comes despite the Red Devils spending around £200 million ($261.7m) on players this summer and over £600 million since Ten Haag arrived, but they are still seemingly no better off.
Van Nistelrooy, a United legend and former striker, is considered a popular short-term option to replace Ten Hag. However, he is said to have reservations about taking over, fearing it may be perceived as a betrayal of his current boss. The 48-year-old joined United as Ten Hag’s assistant manager in July on a two-year deal, having previously managed PSV Eindhoven.
During his playing career, Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for United between 2001 and 2006. His potential appointment would provide a temporary solution, but experts argue that the club’s problems run deeper than a change in management.
Manchester United return to Premier League action on 19 October with a home game against Brentford, following the international break.
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