Manchester United has confirmed the return of Ruud van Nistelrooy to the club as an assistant manager.
The Dutchman who enjoyed success in his playing day at Old Trafford will be one of the new assistants to Erik ten Hag and will be joined by Rene Hake in the same role.
In a statement, United said: “Manchester United has appointed Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant managers of the men’s first team, to work under Erik ten Hag until June 2026.
On welcoming his new staff, ten Hag, said: “I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff. Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”
Ten Hag said of his outgoing colleagues: “Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a number one position; I want to pay tribute to his fantastic service over the past two years, and also to Benni for his important contributions. We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future.”
Van Nistelrooy, who managed PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season and was in talks to take the Burnley job before United’s successful pursuit, spent five years at Old Trafford and scored 150 goals in just 219 games. The 48-year-old fan favourite is expected to work primarily with United’s forwards as McCarthy did, while Hake will serve as Ten Hag’s immediate right-hand man.
Hake, 52, has followed a similar career path to United boss Ten Hag, as both men have managed Go Ahead Eagles and Utrecht. Last season, Hake led Go Ahead Eagles to ninth place in the Eredivisie, the club’s best finish for more than 15 years.
