Ruud van Nistelrooy is “viable” Erik ten Hag replacement but Man United considering two other managers

Ruud van Nistelrooy is viewed as a “viable” option to succeed Erik ten Hag at Manchester United if the Dutchman is sacked.

Erik ten Hag has suffered a difficult start to the new season, with United winning just three of their opening eight games in all competitions.

Their last two Premier League outings at Old Trafford have seen the team lose 3-0 against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

INEOS decided to keep Ten Hag in the summer despite speaking to other managers. The Dutchman’s contract was extended until the summer of 2026.

He was also given five first-team signings in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte brought in to strengthen key areas of the squad.

Ten Hag’s coaching staff was also reshuffled, with Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy coming in as assistant coaches for the manager.

Ruud van Nistelrooy considered as Ten Hag replacement

Following the poor start to the season, various reports have claimed that Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain beyond the next two games.

United face FC Porto and Aston Villa away from home within the next week and then the international break comes. INEOS may decide to make a change if United lose their next two fixtures.

In that case, ESPN report that the club hierarchy believe they are well-prepared to make a change. Promoting Van Nistelrooy, at least in the short term, is considered a viable option if necessary.

The former striker has previously managed at PSV Eindhoven, where he won two trophies during the 2023/24 campaign. He had been approached by various clubs, including Burnley, for a managerial role before deciding to return to United as an assistant coach.

INEOS considering two other options

Van Nistelrooy is not the only option being assessed by INEOS, even if he may get the job on a short-term basis to begin with.

According to the Daily Star, Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi is now being considered a serious contender for the job should Ten Hag be sacked.

The report also mentioned that former England manager Gareth Southgate is an option for United. He has many admirers within the club.

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