Erik ten Hag is optimistic that Ruud van Nistelrooy will have a significant impact on Manchester United's strikers, helping them improve not just in attack but also in their defensive duties.
In a recent interview, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag discussed the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy as his assistant manager, highlighting the legendary striker's potential to elevate United’s attacking game.
"Strikers can definitely benefit from him," Ten Hag stated. "He was a great striker with so much success, and he’ll help our strikers in different areas, especially on the mental side. His desire to win games by scoring goals is something our players can learn from.”
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Van Nistelrooy’s role in Ten Hag’s vision
Van Nistelrooy, known for his prolific goal-scoring during his playing days, has joined United's backroom staff this summer. His experience and mentality are expected to be key in building a winning team at Old Trafford. "He will help our team work as a unit," Ten Hag added. "We attack as 11, and we defend as 11. His experience and mentality are crucial in building a winning team."
Despite the buzz around Van Nistelrooy's arrival, former manager Gordon Strachan has dismissed any speculation that the Dutchman might be eyeing Ten Hag's job.
Speaking to topoffshorecasinos.com, Strachan said, "No, I don't think that Erik ten Hag will be looking at Ruud van Nistelrooy and thinking to himself that man wants my job. You can't be looking over your shoulder as a manager, that's the last thing you would do."
Strachan believes that Ten Hag, who recently signed a contract extension despite a challenging season, is secure in his role. "It would be far too obvious if the club are thinking about replacing Ten Hag with Ruud van Nistelrooy. It would be too transparent."
Van Nistelrooy’s first competitive match on the United bench will be against Manchester City in the Community Shield, a rematch of last season’s FA Cup final. As the Red Devils prepare for this traditional curtain-raiser, all eyes will be on how Van Nistelrooy’s influence starts to shape the team’s approach on the pitch.
