Revealed: What’s holding up Van Nistelrooy and Hake’s move to Man Utd?

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 5 Jul 2024 13:32 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United are close to finalising the appointments of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake - but it's been several days and no update.

The man who broke the story, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, said that the Dutch pair will join up at Old Trafford - but when they arrive remains to be seen.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake will be part of new coaching staff at Manchester United, formal documents being prepared. Erik ten Hag will also sign new deal soon as part of Man United plans," he said.

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After a poor season in the Premier League, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making major changes behind the scenes - though he did not dismiss Erik ten Hag, the Ineos owner is looking to revamp the backroom.

They won the FA Cup which salvaged their season - meaning that they are in the Europa League despite finishing seventh in the Premier League.

And now they, under Ineos, are looking to the future, with former Man Utd striker Van Nistelrooy and Go Ahead Eagles head coach Hake set to join.

BBC reporter Simon Stone recently provided some information on what is holding up the deal. "Manchester United are waiting for work visas for Ruud van Nisterooy and Rene Hake before they join Erik ten Hag's coaching team," he said.

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Van Nistelrooy guided PSV to Dutch cup glory in 2023, where he presided over a team that included Jarrad Branthwaito of Everton.

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Meanwhile, Hake is known for his ability to exceed expectations in the Eredivisie, achieving an impressive ninth-place finish with Go Ahead Eagles last season.

Man Utd return to pre-season training on Monday. Club just waiting for work visas for Ruud van Nisterooy and Rene Hake before they join Erik ten Hag's coaching team.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) July 5, 2024

Hake and Ten Hag share a long history, spanning two decades. Ten Hag was instrumental in Hake's appointment to FC Twente’s youth ranks in 2005 and there appears to be a connection between the trio.

Man Utd recently activated the one-year clause in Ten Hag's deal so he will be with the club until June 2026, pending any premature dismissal.

The club had interviewed several coaches, including Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi, before deciding to keep the former Ajax man.