Insider Exclusive: Van Nistelrooy in line to take Man United job after Ten Hag sacked

Ruud van Nistelrooy is in line to take over from Erik ten Hag at Man United should he lose his job, according to the club’s former chief scout Mick Brown.

Ex-Sir Alex Ferguson number two Brown, who was instrumental in bringing Van Nistelrooy to Old Trafford in 2001 and remains well connected at United, exclusively told Football Insider that he would be a “brilliant” fit for the managerial position and should be allowed to prove himself to the board.

It was suggested that the 48-year-old, currently working as Ten Hag’s assistant, could be given the job on an interim basis with a view to taking over full-time if he proves to be a success.

United took a similar path when appointing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2018, and the boss spent three years at the club before he was dismissed in 2021.

Van Nistelrooy has previous experience in a top job, having led PSV Eindhoven to win the 2022 Johan Cruyff Shield and the 2022-23 KNVB Cup before resigning from the role.

Pressure on Ten Hag’s position has continued to grow after a nightmare start to the season which has seen them win just three of their opening nine games.

A 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at home last time out has only increased the pressure, with fans calling for the manager’s head immediately.

Ruud van Nistelroooy in line to take over at Man United in Erik ten Hag sack twist

Football Insider revealed on 30 September that the board will want to make a statement by dismissing Ten Hag after a dismal run of form.

Now, Brown has described Van Nistelrooy as “a top-class person”, suggesting he should be a prime candidate to take over the hot-seat at Old Trafford.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy has come in, and I know him, he’s a top-class person,” he told Football Insider.

“I was instrumental in signing Ruud. I think he’d be a brilliant fit.

“But at the moment, he can only do what the manager instructs him to do, so we haven’t seen too much of what he’s capable of.

“They’re going to have to do something because I don’t think there’s a long list of candidates out there waiting for the job.

“I think they could give him the job on an interim basis and see how he goes.

“If he does well, they might end up appointing him to take over on a full-time basis, as there aren’t too many other options out there.“

In other news, Erik ten Hag remains “one defeat away from sack crisis” at Old Trafford.

For more Man United news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Insider Exclusive: Van Nistelrooy in line to take Man United job after Ten Hag sacked appeared first on Football Insider.