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A dismal start to the current season which left Manchester United perilously close to the drop zone in the Premier League finally forced INEOS into action and they had no choice but to sack Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman’s puzzling selection calls did not do him any favours either with the new co-owners placing Ruud van Nistelrooy in interim charge.
And the former club striker did a fine job steadying the ship, going unbeaten in four games, while picking up three emphatic wins which left the Red Devils only four points off the top four.
The former PSV Eindhoven boss reiterated his desire to continue working under new head coach Ruben Amorim while the players also expressed hope that he would be kept on once the new coach came in.
Ruud’s departure
Instead, Amorim decided to bring his own staff in and Van Nistelrooy departed, and was reportedly disappointed at the abrupt end of his tenure.
But he might not be without a job for too long with reports emerging that Burnley are interested in him while the former Netherlands international has applied for the Coventry City manager’s post.
But surely, the 48-year-old can do better than the Championship and Fichajes have now revealed that as many as three Premier League clubs are looking at the out-of-work manager with interest.
Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace have all endured a difficult start to the current campaign and are contemplating a change in the dugout.
Wolves and the Eagles are languishing in 19th and 18th position respectively while the Foxes are 15th. All three would have expected to be in better positions considering the talent in their squad.
PL interest
“The name Ruud Van Nistelrooy is once again making waves in the Premier League. His brief spell at the helm of Manchester United has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs.
“Leicester City, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the interested parties. Each face specific challenges in their current campaigns and believe Van Nistelrooy’s experience and winning mentality could be the boost needed to achieve their goals.”
Van Nistelrooy’s work with both young and experienced stars has shown his mettle as a manager and it is only a matter of time before a gets a new job.
In case he does return to coaching in England, the 48-year-old will be desperate to prove Amorim and INEOS wrong for letting him go.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images