Erik ten Hag reveals two reasons why he appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has revealed two reasons for appointing Ruud van Nistelrooy to Manchester United’s coaching staff.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s acquisition of a 27.7% stake in Manchester United has initiated extensive changes at Old Trafford across multiple facets of the football club. At the top level, new leaders like Omar Berrada, CEO, and Dan Ashworth, sporting director, have been appointed. Meanwhile, the club is also focusing on revamping the on-field team.

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In recent days, reports have emerged about bids for several new players, such as Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro, as well as the pending announcement of Joshua Zirkzee, as part of the effort to construct a fresh squad under Erik ten Hag.

Additionally, Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff is set to undergo significant changes, with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake being appointed as the Dutchman’s new assistant coaches from 2024 onwards.

“We did well, we achieved what we wanted to achieve, but we can’t sit still,” Ten Hag told the media when questioned on the appointments.

“We want to go forward and we are so pleased to get in Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to bring some new dynamic and initiative and innovation. Rene and Ruud will bring a new energy and dynamic.”

Ten Hag went on to explain the specific appointment of Van Nistelrooy, explaining the two key reasons why the Dutch former striker has been added to the coaching staff.

“First of all, his character. It has brought him so far and it’s an example to everyone in the building. He will bring some DNA of Manchester United with that character. He is such a strong driver, and that is also what he shows as a coach.

“He is so ambitious and has the skills and already – a lot of experience by assisting the Dutch squad; in PSV, he did the U19s and the U21s, and he was managing the first team. With his skills and his intelligence, he will help all the players and the team.”

Ten Hag then went on to remark that Hake’s appointment is a reflection of his experience across all levels of coaching, from youth teams to first-team squads.

“He started in a very young age as a coach,” Ten Hag said on Hake. “He was coaching from U6 all up to the highest. The last years he was only working with seniors, as assistant coach but also in the last years mainly as head coach and managers.

“He has experience at Utrecht and now at Go Ahead Eagles, and there, he did a magnificent job to lead that team into Europe in the Conference League. It was the biggest surprise from last year.”

Hake and Van Nistelrooy will now start working with the Manchester United player following their announcements on Thursday afternoon.

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