Ruud van Nistelrooy’s new Man United training approach detailed with ‘double points’ drill

Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to Manchester United this summer as one of Erik ten Hag’s new assistant coaches.

The United legend was the manager of PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 campaign but departed after winning two trophies due to a lack of support from the board.

It was surprising when he decided to rejoin United and essentially take a demotion to become Ten Hag’s assistant manager, but it will certainly be a boost to the club and, particularly, the forward players such as Rasmus Højlund.

“First of all, his character has brought him so far, and it’s an example for everyone here in the building,” Ten Hag explained when discussing Van Nistelrooy’s appointment.

“Of course, he will also bring some DNA of Manchester United in, but that character is such a strong driver, and that is also what he shows as a coach.

“He has such a highly interesting profile, he’s so ambitious, he has the skills, and he already has a lot of experience.”

Van Nistelrooy’s training drill detailed

United landed in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening and started their pre-season preparations at the UCLA on Thursday morning.

It was detailed by MailSport that their opening day session was fitness-focused at the Drake Stadium, while the second session on Friday at the Wallis Annenberg Stadium across the UCLA campus involved more ball work.

The report added that Van Nistelrooy was leading an attacking drill on Friday, which encouraged players to utilise the wings in offensive situations.

Players were split into teams and rewarded with double points for any goals scored off a cross from the wide areas, which were zoned off by cones.

United were often the ones conceding from low crosses into the box, particularly cutbacks, last season. It is clearly something being worked on and Van Nistelrooy is perhaps the best man you want in those situations.

Remarkably, 149 of his 150 goals for United were from inside the penalty area. He knows where the striker will want the ball and the areas to hit.

United face up against Arsenal in their opening pre-season fixture of the US tour in the early hours of Sunday morning, with kick-off at 01:00 BST.

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