Erik ten Hag has not even led Manchester United to their Premier League opener for the 2023/24 season yet and talks surrounding his potential replacement have already started in some corners.
It is no secret that INEOS looked around Europe and held talks with several coaches before deciding to let Ten Hag remain at the helm.
Despite United finishing eighth in the Premier League, Ten Hag’s trophy-winning ability combined with the lack of convincing replacements persuaded the club’s hierarchy to place their trust in the Dutchman heading into the new season.
However, FootballTransfers have come up with a shocking claim, suggesting United already have a replacement in place. It is claimed Ruud van Nistelrooy will be United’s main man by 2026.
The former United striker returned to Old Trafford after accepting the opportunity to assist Ten Hag alongside René Hake. He signed a two-year deal to join the coaching staff at Carrington.
The 48-year-old had a very successful spell as PSV manager, leading the Eindhoven-based outfit to the Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup after taking over the role in 2022.
As such, despite his past connection to the Red Devils, it surprised many when he agreed to become Ten Hag’s assistant manager. During this time he was also strongly linked with the head coach position at Burnley.
Interestingly, FootballTransfers suggest Van Nistelrooy “was asked to replace the former Ajax boss and take full control of the Old Trafford side.
However, the once prolific striker “knocked back this opportunity as he felt the pressure of the role would be “overwhelming” and informed United he is more capable of helping the side in a coaching capacity.
Now, he is supposedly in the frame to replace Ten Hag by 2026. “Make no mistake, Ruud will be the manager of Manchester United within the next two years,” a source told FootballTransfers.
As far as the club’s sporting director Dan Ashworth is concerned, he has publicly not given any hint concerning United’s long-term plans for Van Nistelrooy.
Further, the United board showed their faith in Ten Hag by extending his contract until 2026 earlier in the summer.
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