Who are Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake? Ten Hag’s new coaching staff at Man Utd

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 27 Jun 2024 17:07 BST
• 5 min read

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are set to change up their coaching staff for the campaign ahead.

According to Fabrizio Romano, they have two very clear objectives in this regards: Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake.

Van Nistelrooy is noted for his prolific spell as a striker at Old Trafford before he completed a move to Real Madrid in 2006, but Hake represents something of an unknown quantity, with his Go Ahead Eagles side not one that too many Premier League observers will be familiar with.

FootballTransfers has spoken to Netherlands football experts Imre Himmelbauer and Milan Keskin for insight into two men who are on course to become key figures at Man Utd next season, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of both.

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Himmelbauer discussed Van Nistelrooy’s mixed legacy at PSV, saying: “Obviously, people mainly remember Van Nistelrooy for his time as head coach of PSV, but he had worked as a youth coach at the club for many years up until that point, as well as two stints as assistant coach with the Dutch national team.

“Despite this, he didn’t think he was ready to become a head coach himself, but after some convincing from the PSV board, he took the job, becoming manager for the 2022/23 season.

“His campaign was a bit of a mixed bag. He ended up failing to win the title, which was the goal PSV had set for themselves, but they ended up finishing second behind Feyenoord.

“The main criticism from fans and TV analysts was his playing style: Van Nistelrooy didn’t seem to have a fully developed game plan, thus mainly relying on defensive, counterattacking play. This angered many fans, who wanted to see a more dominant PSV.

“From inside the club, there was a lot of criticism over how he handled his staff. Local news outlet Eindhovens Dagblad actually called the situation ‘PSV unworthy’. A week before the end of the season, Van Nistelrooy ended up quitting over a lack of support from the board.

“That’s how, in the end, his legacy at PSV ended up somewhat tainted. However, both technical director Earnest Stewart and current manager Peter Bosz have acknowledged his importance in the current success of the club.

“Shortly after Van Nistelrooy’s appointment, the technical director at that time, John de Jong, ended up being fired. In the winter, both Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke were sold for big money to Liverpool and Chelsea respectively. In that light, getting second place was not bad at all.

“Furthermore, Van Nistelrooy was responsible for developing many young players who were considered crucial in last season’s success, most notably Ismael Saibari and Johan Bakayoko.”

Who is Rene Hake?

Hake, meanwhile, is more of an unknown in the UK.

Milan Keskin, who is a Go Ahead Eagles season ticket holder as well as an expert on Dutch football, has the low down on the coach, who is 'in his element' where he is currently.

He said: “The head coach of Go Ahead Eagles managed to secure a ticket for the Conference League last season and was nominated for the Rinus Michels Award (best coach in the Eredivisie), along with Bosz and Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who was at Feyenoord.

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“The news from Fabrizio Romano about Hake comes as quite a surprise in the Netherlands.

“Hake, who never played professional football, seems to be in his element at Go Ahead Eagles. The coach joined the club in 2022 and had a rough start. Hake lost the first five matches of that season and was immediately under pressure. The board, led by technical manager Paul Bosvelt (ex-Man City), decided to place their trust in Hake.

“Bosvelt, coincidentally, commented to De Stentor this week about a possible departure of Hake: ‘He is doing very good work here, so it would be strange if he didn't get noticed. But I don't expect him to leave. However, you always have to keep looking around. Like, who could be potential good candidates? But it's also great for Rene to play European football with Go Ahead Eagles.’

“Two years later, Hake is one of the most successful coaches in the club's history. Go Ahead Eagles are a relatively small club in the Netherlands, usually fighting against relegation. Last season, the club from Deventer managed to secure a ticket for the Conference League, against all odds.

“On 25 July, the club will face SK Brann in the second qualifying round of the Conference League, meaning Man Utd’s inter interest comes at the worst possible time.

“Hake previously worked as head coach at FC Twente and FC Utrecht. Apart from his work as head coach, Hake has also worked as assistant coach at PEC Zwolle and FC Twente.

“He is known for his attacking style of play and for giving players long-term confidence, even during tough periods. The best example might be Bobby Adekanye. The Go Ahead Eagles forward had an excellent first season at De Adelaarshorst but failed to score any goals in his second year. The fans started to turn against him, but Hake has kept faith in him.”