'Advancing fast' - Man Utd set for head-turning appointment ahead of Fulham season opener

Toby Bryant
By Toby Bryant
Published 24th Jun 2024, 16:34 BST
Man Utd could be reunited with a familiar face.Man Utd could be reunited with a familiar face.
Man Utd could be reunited with a familiar face. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
The Manchester United and Premier League legend could be on the Red Devils’ bench for the visit of Fulham.

Fulham face Manchester United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season and the visitors could kick off the campaign with a very famous face newly appointed among their coaching ranks.

Premier League legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly in talks with his former club over a job among Erik ten Hag's staff for the season ahead. The Netherlands hero is also a candidate for the vacant Burnley managerial role following Vincent Kompany's appointment at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The 47-year-old most recently managed PSV Eindhoven in his home country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Van Nistelrooy took over at PSV in March 2022 and went on to win the Johan Cruyff Shield and KNVB Cup the following season before resigning due to an apparent lack of support from the club. He had previously been in charge of the PSV reserve team and has also worked as an assistant with the Netherlands national side.

Fulham travel to Manchester United on Friday, August 16 in the first match of the Premier League season. The action at Old Trafford kicks off at 8 pm and while the focus will be on the pitch, Van Nistelrooy's appointment would certainly turn heads off it.

Watch - The Premier League Panel: Best and worst signings

Alex Iwobi netted a late winner at Old Trafford last season.Alex Iwobi netted a late winner at Old Trafford last season.
Alex Iwobi netted a late winner at Old Trafford last season. | Getty Images

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media: " Ruud van Nistelrooy has been approached to be part of Erik ten Hag’s new staff at Manchester United. Up to van Nistelrooy as he’s also a strong candidate to be new Burnley manager to replace Kompany, decision next week. Changes could take place in #MUFC staff."

Romano has since added that a deal between Van Nistelrooy and the Red Devils is 'advancing fast' ahead of the Premier League's return.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Cottagers beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in February with a 97th-minute Alex Iwobi goal winning the game 2-1 for Fulham. Erik ten Hag's side had won the reverse fixture earlier in the season with a 1-0 win at Craven Cottage - Bruno Fernandes netting an injury time winner in that fixture.

Related topics:Premier LeagueErik ten HagFulhamFabrizio Romano

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.