EXCLUSIVE: Van Nistelrooy to replace Ten Hag as Man Utd manager by 2026

Steve Kay

1 Oct 2024 14:18 BST
3 min read

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Erik ten Hag, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Ruud van Nistelrooy will be Manchester United manager by 2026 and even turned down the opportunity to replace Erik ten Hag as Old Trafford boss this summer, FootballTransfers can exclusively reveal.

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Van Nistelrooy was previously a fan favourite as a player during his spell with Man Utd from 2001 to 2006, and the former Netherlands striker has been cutting his teeth in management.

The 48-year-old had a year in charge of PSV from 2022/23, during which he won the KNVB Beker only to quit with one game of the campaign remaining, citing a lack of support.

Following a year out of the game, he joined Man Utd as Ten Hag’s assistant in July.

FootballTransfers has been told, however, that Van Nistelrooy was asked to replace the former Ajax boss and take full control of the Old Trafford side.

He knocked back this opportunity as he felt the pressure of the role would be "overwhelming". Furthermore, he told the Man Utd board that he felt he could be more effective in a coaching capacity, which is how the two-year deal to become assistant came about.

FootballTransfers’ source, though, has revealed that Van Nistelrooy is being groomed as Ten Hag’s successor at the club.

“Make no mistake, Ruud will be the manager of Manchester United within the next two years,” they said.

© IMAGO - Ruud van Nistelrooy is Man utd manager in waiting

Ten Hag penned two-year deal

Man Utd, meanwhile, presented Ten Hag with a contract extension in the summer that will see the Dutchman contracted to the club until 2026.

He had been the subject of a lengthy season review process in the summer, and it was during this time that his job was offered to Van Nistelrooy. It was only after his compatriot had turned down the role that Ten Hag’s position was confirmed.

Should Van Nistelrooy become manager at Man Utd, he will follow in the footsteps of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who graduated from striker to manager, leading the Red Devils from 2018-2021.