Ruud van Nistelrooy 'already has eyes on another job' after joining Man United

Former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen reckons Ruud van Nistelrooy has his eyes on a managing job.

Van Nistelrooy has returned to Old Trafford to join Ten Hag's coaching staff, working closely with United's forwards in particular. It's another step on the coaching ladder for the former striker.

He's previously worked with the Dutch national team and managed PSV to a cup triumph in the 2022/23 season before resigning with one game to go. Meulensteen, who Van Nistelrooy had approached about working together, is surprised he hasn't taken another managerial role.

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But he wouldn't be surprised if it's a tactical decision to position himself as next in line to Ten Hag. Meulensteen told Gambling Zone: "I thought he may have gone to manage in Spain and then the Burnley rumours came up, I thought he would’ve continued as a manager so I was surprised when he joined United because I can see Ruud as a manager.

"I think he's had a taste of it and I think he wants more of it. Why has he chosen to go with Erik ten Hag? Probably the fact that there's a chance for him to go back to Manchester United where he had some fantastic years and great memories.

"He will be a good influence and a strong influence in the dressing room. People will respect him and I think he’s got a lot to teach all those young forwards."

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