Ruud van Nistelrooy appointed PSV head coach amid Manchester United job links

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as the new head coach of PSV Eindhoven.

The Dutchman, who is currently the boss of youth side Jong PSV, will take over from Roger Schmidt at the end of the season. Van Nistelrooy has signed a contract with his first club until 2025.

Speculation had suggested that he was in line for a return to Old Trafford as United look to appoint a former player to assist their new permanent manager. MEN Sport understands that Erik ten Hag is the board's favourite for the job and was interviewed for the role last week.

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Ten Hag's Dutch nationality and favourite status for the position of manager at the Theatre of Dreams led to the ex-striker being linked however his decision to become the manager of PSV will put paid to those rumours. Commenting on his appointment, Van Nistelrooy said: "I've been working towards this moment for years.

"I am proud and confident that I am ready to take on a leadership role at my club. My goal has always been to be the head coach at PSV.

"In recent years I have been intensively supervised by the club and in particular by Toon Gerbrands (current general manager of PSV). I was convinced that I could fully direct my own coaching career and that required an extra season of experience as a trainer of Jong PSV.

"During the past month, several things came together. The appointment of Marcel Brands as General Manager of PSV and the conversation I had with him gave me the last push to now take this step with full conviction."

As for United's search for a new manager, that process continues. Fans have been warned not to expect an