In a surprising development, Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly considering a return to Manchester United, not as a player, but as a member of Erik ten Hag's coaching staff. This potential reunion could bring one of United's most revered players back to Old Trafford, enhancing the coaching team with his wealth of experience and passion for the club.

Van Nistelrooy's Storied Career Van Nistelrooy's legacy at Manchester United is indelible. Arriving from PSV Eindhoven in 2001 for PS19 million, he swiftly became a fan favourite, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances over five seasons. His time at United was marked by significant success, including winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. His prolific scoring and memorable moments have cemented his place as a United great.

Coaching Journey and Potential Return Since retiring from professional football, Van Nistelrooy has carved out a respectable coaching career. After assisting Ronald Koeman and Frank de Boer with the Dutch national team, he took on the managerial role at PSV Eindhoven, where he continued to demonstrate his footballing acumen. His tenure at PSV saw him winning the Dutch Cup in 2023 and contributing to the club's success in reclaiming the Eredivisie title under Peter Bosz's leadership.

According to the Manchester Evening News, "Van Nistelrooy has been sounded out to join manager Erik ten Hag's backroom staff for the start of pre-season, having stepped down as coach of PSV Eindhoven last year." This potential move could be highly beneficial for United, bringing in a familiar face with deep ties to the club and extensive knowledge of the game.

Current State of Affairs at United Erik ten Hag, who took over as United manager in May 2022, has built a robust coaching team, including Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren. However, with Benni McCarthy's contract expiring this summer and Eric Ramsay's departure to MLS side Minnesota United, there is room for fresh talent and ideas within the coaching staff. Van Nistelrooy's return could inject new energy and insights into United's tactical setup.

Despite United declining to comment on this speculation, they have reiterated their priority is securing a new contract for Ten Hag. The positive discussions ongoing between the club and Ten Hag are crucial, but adding someone of Van Nistelrooy's calibre could further solidify the team's ambitions.

Competition for Van Nistelrooy's Signature Interestingly, Van Nistelrooy has also been linked with other opportunities. As reported, "Van Nistelrooy has spoken with Burnley about their vacant managerial post." This interest from Burnley indicates his growing reputation in the managerial circuit and underscores the competitive nature of securing his services.

A Positive Influence Van Nistelrooy's return to Manchester United would not only be a nostalgic nod to the past but also a strategic move for the future. His familiarity with the club's culture, combined with his coaching credentials, makes him an ideal candidate to support Ten Hag and his vision for United.