Ruud van Nistelrooy's managerial career has undergone some extreme highs and lows within the span of a few months. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker, following a year off from coaching after his PSV exit, surprisingly came back to Old Trafford as the assistant to Erik ten Hag.
Brief Stint at Manchester United
Four months later, he was thrust into the limelight as interim head coach following Ten Hag's sack. His reign in the United dugout did not last long, though, as he bowed out with tears after four games at the helm to pave the way for the appointment of Ruben Amorim.
Challenge at Leicester City
The challenge for Van Nistelrooy is a whole lot different now. He returns to Old Trafford, but this time as Leicester City's manager for their FA Cup fourth-round clash. Unlike his playing days when he competed for titles and trophies, his priority now is keeping Leicester in the Premier League.
Still, tonight's cup tie holds no league significance, Leicester's form remains a grave cause for concern. Sitting in the relegation zone with eight defeats in nine league matches, Van Nistelrooy needs to inspire a turnaround—especially after their disastrous 4-0 loss to Everton, where they collapsed in the first half.
A Rollercoaster Managerial Journey
After departing PSV a game before the close of the 2022-23 season, Van Nistelrooy was already casting his sights on the next step. With his managerial stock high after wins in the Johan Cruyff Shield and the KNVB Cup, while losing out to Feyenoord for the Eredivisie, he had set his sights on managing a club in either the Premier League, La Liga, or Bundesliga.
Sir Alex Ferguson's former assistant Rene Meulensteen recalls a chat with Van Nistelrooy at PSV's training ground before their KNVB Cup final against Ajax in April 2023 that PSV won on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
I think he was sounding me out about joining his backroom staff the following season," Meulensteen told The Athletic. "I was with Australia's national team at the time, but I told him if he won the cup and secured Champions League football, he would be in a strong position to negotiate his future.
However, less than a month later, Van Nistelrooy walked away with one game left in the season. Meulensteen believes this was a mistake: “He probably felt the club wasn’t backing him, but he should have stayed. Football is unpredictable—when you’re winning, the board supports you; when you’re losing, you’re the worst manager in the world. He needed to capitalize on his success.”
Looking Ahead
Now at Leicester, Van Nistelrooy has to show that he is resilient enough in one of the biggest challenges a manager faces. Is he able to steady the ship and get the Foxes to safety? The next test at his old stomping ground could be crucial to give proper insights into his managerial capabilities.
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