Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘open’ to replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, claims Dutch media

Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly “open” to replacing Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s manager if Sir Jim Ratcliffe fires him.

Erik ten Hag‘s position as Manchester United manager is facing intense scrutiny after suffering a third Premier League defeat in just six matches this season.

Currently sitting 13th in the table, the team also stumbled in their Europa League opener, drawing at home against FC Twente. These struggles have led to a growing number of supporters calling for the Dutchman’s dismissal.

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The 3-0 defeat to Tottenham has been a significant low point. Not only was it a humiliating result at Old Trafford, but the side Ten Hag fielded appeared disjointed, lacklustre, and chaotic, despite eight of the players being his own signings.

According to various reports, United will stick with Ten Hag over their next two fixtures, against FC Porto and Aston Villa, but there is no guarantee he will remain in the job if United does not win these fixtures.

It has been said that United would consider handing assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy the role of interim manager if the position becomes vacant. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that this would be the case should Ten Hag be fired.

However, the former striker’s feelings on the offer must also be considered. Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen told Vandraag Inside that the ex-United goalscorer would be “open” to the idea.

“I think Nistelrooy is open to it. And that could be possible because the dream candidate is, of course, not there,” Driessen said, as cited by Sport Witness.

“Van Nistelrooy comes from the club and is already well-regarded by the players. Someone who has played football at the top, also at United.”

Both of United’s next two games are away from home. The Porto tie is in the Europa League before the club returns to the Premier League, where it will face Aston Villa away from home.

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