Ruud van Nistelrooy rivals Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Carrick for United role | OneFootball

Manchester United are planning to appoint a caretaker manager after parting ways with Ruben Amorim earlier this week. The Portuguese head coach ended his turbulent reign at the Theatre of Dreams with a 1-1 draw away to Leeds United last weekend.

The Premier League giants want someone to steady the ship for now, affording them time to select a permanent candidate at the end of the campaign. Darren Fletcher, who was in charge for the 2-2 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor in midweek, is among those in the running for the caretaker role.

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person named Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the front-runner for the temporary job, with his former assistant Michael Carrick also in the race for the position.

Previous reports have also mentioned Ruud van Nistelrooy as a possible option for the job. Acclaimed journalist David Ornstein has now provided an update on the situation.

United have spoken to Nistelrooy

Speaking on NBC Sports, Ornstein said that United have already established contact with Van Nistelrooy regarding the caretaker role. He said: “Everybody was saying it’s [Manchester United Caretaker role] going to go to Solskjaer. It may, he’s a strong contender, but so is Michael Carrick. We must not write him off in this situation.”

“There is a third name in the frame. And that’s Ruud van Nistelrooy. He’s been spoken to. But whereas Jason Wilcox will be meeting with both Solskjaer and Carrick because he doesn’t know them from previously, he won’t be meeting with Ruud because he already knows him. He was interim manager not so long ago.”

“For whatever reason, Manchester United feel that Solskjaer and Carrick are the two most likely. But what they did want was somebody, whoever it will be, who’s got Manchester United connections.”

“They felt that was crucial in this moment of, you could say, trauma following the departure of Ruben Amorim. Whoever they decide to go for, and I expect news from the club next week.”

Van Nistelrooy’s managerial career

Van Nistelrooy spent five seasons at United as a player, establishing himself as one of the finest goalscorers on the continent and registering 150 goals in 219 games. The Dutchman began his managerial career at PSV, initially working with the youth side before taking charge of the senior team, with whom he won the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield.

Van Nistelrooy returned to the Theatre of Dreams in the summer of 2024, joining former manager Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff. He was temporarily in charge after Ten Hag lost his job, overseeing four games as caretaker manager and recording three wins.

The former striker left the club after Ruben Amorim’s arrival and took over at Leicester City, but was unable to prevent their relegation last season.

Ruud van Nistelrooy Managerial Stats

Source: Wikipedia.

During his short reign at Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy implemented an attractive, attacking brand of football that resonated strongly with fans. The Dutchman, as such, could be a fine option for the caretaker role.

Final Thoughts

United have endured a mixed campaign so far, and perhaps the nostalgia of a former player taking charge in the dugout could provide fans with a sense of relief. However, the Red Devils remain sixth in the Premier League, with plenty still to play for this season.

Securing a top-four finish must be at the top of the club’s agenda at the moment as it could have a significant bearing on their summer plans. INEOS, therefore, must make a decision on the caretaker role not only to steady the ship but also to salvage the campaign.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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