Former Manchester United star is set to return to Old Trafford to help Erik ten Hag

Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to return to Manchester United in a coaching role, reports from the Netherlands have indicated.

The legendary Manchester United striker has made an impressive start to his coaching career, especially with his recent stint at PSV Eindhoven.

His acumen has earned him links with the managerial post at Burnley, where he is being seen as a potential successor to Vincent Kompany, who is now at Bayern Munich.

But now, the Old Trafford club appears to have crashed Burnley’s pursuit, by joining the Clarets in the race for Van Nistelrooy’s services.

Ruud van Nistelrooy in talks with Manchester United

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has already shed light on Manchester United’s approach for Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Red Devils want the former striker to become part of Erik ten Hag’s new backroom staff at the club, the Italian journalist revealed.

Now, a fresh report from Dutch outlet AD has indicated that Van Nistelrooy has already entered talks with the United hierarchy. Both parties are being described as “enthusiastic” regarding this move—a feeling that is also being reflected by a majority of the club’s global fanbase.

Details on RvN’s potential job profile at United are still unclear. Many had initially speculated that the 47-year-old may be brought in as a replacement for Benni McCarthy, who worked closely with the Reds’ forwards last season.

Read more: Jose Mourinho planning to sign Manchester United star in £7m deal

But the new Dutch report now suggests that Van Nistelrooy could return to Manchester as Erik ten Hag’s new assistant coach.

With INEOS taking charge, Ten Hag’s coaching team is sure to undergo some shakeup ahead of the new season.

But whether Van Nistelrooy becomes a part of it would depend entirely on how keen the club legend is in accepting an assistant coaching role at the Theatre of Dreams.