Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake arrived at Carrington training ground Monday morning before commencing work as part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom team.
Van Nistelrooy rejoins the Old Trafford outfit 18 years after leaving for Real Madrid in the summer of 2006.
Former Go Ahead Eagles manager Hake also joins the Manchester United staff, with the Dutch trainer set to play a big part in Ten Hag’s new supporting cast.
While these additions are yet to be officially confirmed, an announcement is a matter of when – not if – with both men awaiting work visas before formal confirmation.
Benni McCarthy left his post at the end of June, following Eric Ramsey’s departure to Minnesota United of the MLS.
However, Steve McClaren will stay on for the upcoming season.
The future of Ten Hag’s right-hand man, Mitchell van der Gaag, is still unknown, with Dan Ashworth and his best-in-class team overhauling the backroom team.
The Dutch duo of Van Nistelrooy and Hake will be joined in Manchester by compatriot Jelle ten Rouwellaar, a goalkeeping coach – formerly of Burnley.
Ruud’s Return
The addition of Van Nistelrooy has been well received by the United faithful, with many rekindling happier times at the Theatre of Dreams.
However, the 48-year-old will bring more to this United squad than just a healthy dose of nostalgia.
The former Netherlands forward earned success as a manager in his own right for PSV Eindhoven during his solitary season in charge back in 2022/23.
In that time, the Oss-born gaffer led Boeren to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie and also won both the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield.
He resigned with one match remaining in the league, citing a lack of support as his reason for the sudden departure.
His iconic status at United will aid in establishing himself as a coach at the club he served so well during his playing days.
The thought of this notorious goalscorer working with the forwards at United is a fascinating prospect.
Young Danish attacker Rasmus Hojlund and potential recruit Joshua Zirkzee could be two of the primary beneficiaries of having the legendary figure working with them on the grass daily.
Rene Hake incoming
Hake has worked with Ten Hag at former club FC Twente and recently revealed that the United boss played a crucial role in convincing him to join the Reds.
“Erik called me and asked if I was open to it,” he told ESPN.
“I don’t think I have to explain that I didn’t have to think about it very long before saying yes.
“It is a great step for me and a great challenge.
“It will be great to gain experience in the best league in the world”.
The Coevorden native has over 20 years of coaching experience and is known for a similar tactical approach to Ten Hag.
He has become renowned in Holland for constructing sides greater than the sum of their parts while playing attractive football.
His teams have adopted a possession-based style of play – but are equally adept at carrying out quick transitions and counter-attacks when required.
What can we expect from the new coaching structure?
With the double Dutch swoop now nearing completion, United fans will naturally wonder what impact this will have on the pitch.
Ten Hag will hope he can build trust with his newest employees and they can have a positive effect on his players.
Van Nistelrooy’s focus on improving the younger players in the squad will be pivotal – with many eager to learn from his specialist knowledge as they strive to take their game to the next level.
Hake will supply important tactical nous on the training field and work on developing primary tactical details in conjunction with his compatriots.
This was something that Ten Hag struggled to change last season, sticking with an open game plan right up until the final embers.
The addition of Hake may yet prove to be a masterstroke in this regard.
As always, time will tell what the future holds, but INEOS are pointing in the correct direction.
What do you think of the new coaching appointments?
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