RUUD VAN NISTELROOY FINALLY SHARES HIS TRUE STANCE ON MAN UTD MANAGER ERIK TEN HAG, HE MAKES HIS FEELINGS PERFECTLY CLEAR
Former PSV Eindhoven boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has spoken out on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and made his feelings clear on his fellow Dutchman.
Erik ten Hag is set to continue his stay at Old Trafford after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team concluded their end-of-season review at the Premier League club.The 54-year-old Manchester United boss oversaw a tough second season, which included the Red Devils finishing eighth in the Premier League table.
Ten Hag’s men struggled with form and consistency in the 2023-24 season, with the Dutchman’s first-team squad also ravaged by injuries in the campaign.Despite missing out on top four and a Champions League place, Ten Hag was able to end the season on a high note by capturing the FA Cup trophy.
United produced a sensational performance at Wembley in May and beat Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final.Ten Hag had been waiting to hear more about his future at Old Trafford in the aftermath of the FA Cup final, following on from Ineos’ review.
The ex-Ajax boss revealed that United had spoken with the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel before sticking with him for next season.It is now believed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos team have opened talks with Ten Hag over a new deal, with the Dutchman’s contract set to expire in 2025.
Van Nistelrooy talks Ten Hag
Speaking to the Coaches’ Voice, Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy opened up about his time in the world of coaching and his stance on Erik ten Hag.The 47-year-old former United striker took his first steps into the world of management after he became PSV Eindhoven manager in 2022.
Van Nistelrooy led PSV to a Dutch Cup in his first and only season as club manager, with the Dutchman resigning from his post before the end of the 2022-23 season.The ex-Netherlands international, who has been linked with a return to management, opened up about his “admiration” for Dutch managers.
Van Nistelrooy praised legendary managers like former United boss Louis van Gaal and Rinus Michels before including the likes of Erik ten Hag in that lineage.There is a long history of great Dutch coaches, and I have so much admiration for the careers they have had,” he said.
“Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff, Louis van Gaal, Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat, and now of course Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot.It is motivational for me to continue learning, to continue improving myself, and maybe one day make the steps to show I am capable of that. It’s a fantastic challenge, and I’m looking forward to taking it on.”
Ten Hag on his Man Utd future
Ten Hag recently opened up about the decision for United to retain his services and the Dutchman admitted he hasn’t agreed to a new deal with the club.Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract,” he told Dutch TV station NOS.
“This isn’t easily done; we are still going to have to talk about this.United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.” Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed his admiration for Erik ten Hag amidst the latter’s uncertain future at Manchester United. Despite a challenging second season where United finished eighth in the Premier League, ten Hag secured the FA Cup, triumphing over Manchester City. Following an end-of-season review by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team, it appears United will continue with ten Hag, with discussions underway for a contract extension beyond 2025. Van Nistelrooy, who managed PSV Eindhoven to a Dutch Cup win, praised ten Hag alongside other legendary Dutch coaches, highlighting his respect and inspiration drawn from their careers. Ten Hag confirmed ongoing contract talks and acknowledged United’s consideration of Thomas Tuchel before deciding to retain him.
