Ruud van Nistelrooy would never stab Erik ten Hag in the back to get the Manchester United job – here's why
Ruud van Nistelrooy would “never stab Erik ten Hag in the back” in his bid to succeed him as Manchester United manager.
This is the opinion of Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan, who gives us an idea of his compatriot's future at Old Trafford.
The pressure keeps increasing ten witchesthat has led United to its The worst start in Premier League history.
The Red Devils fall to 14th place and are already ten points behind the leader Liverpool after Sunday's goalless draw in Villa Aston.
This follows Thursday's Europa League capitulation against FC Porto, in which United blew a 2-0 lead before salvaging a last-gasp 3-3 draw in Portugal.
During the clash at Villa Park, Ten Hag became involved in what appeared to be a heated debate with his assistant. Van Nistelrooywho has been promoted as a candidate to replace the United coach, in case of dismissal.
With an expert look at the situation, Van Der Kraan has denied the theories that claimed that the first manchester united The striker plans to betray Ten Hag in the hope of landing the top job at Old Trafford.
“When he (Van Nistelrooy) signed in the summer, he was very motivated to go and work for his old club,” Van der Kraan told talkSPORT.
“Mainly because of the love of the club and because he saw the potential of several young players like (Rasmus) Hojlund and (Marcus) Rashford,” Van Der Kraan told talkSPORT.
“He knows the culture of the club and I think he felt he could add something that Ten Hag could use.
“Erik was much more of a coach (suitable) for the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, who made him several offers before United finally got him.
“Erik worked in Bayern Munich. He knew the German Bundesliga, he speaks the language and all that wasn't really there for him in England. I had never played there, but Ruud can add that.”
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Van der Kraan continued: “Because of Ruud's background and what he went through in his first year at PSV Eindhoven.
“He built everything in the youth ranks, was head coach and brought in some brilliant young players who are doing really well for PSV.
“He worked well with them and then at the end of his first season, when he won the cup, took them to the Champions League and won the Johan Cruyff Shield, there was a bit of aggression and betrayal between him, his assistants and a couple.” . of players.
“He felt there was a conspiracy there. If you look at that situation, in my opinion, the last thing you want to do is stab someone in the back or be seen as an opportunist.
“That's everything he hated about his first season as coach at PSV Eindhoven.”
When asked if Van Nistelrooy would accept the full-time role should the club opt to swing the ax at Ten Hag, Van der Kraan says it is not certain he will accept the role.
“Everyone will say that Ruud is ready to do the job, but I don't think Ruud Van Nistelrooy sees it that way,” he added.
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“On the other hand, maybe his love for the club is so great and he wants United fans to be happy. If they really want him and pressure him to take him on an interim basis, he might not walk away from United.
“It would take a lot from the board and directors of Manchester United, Dan Ashcroft and Jason Wilcox, to convince Ruud to do that.”
Van Nistelrooy represented Man United for five years as a player, and the poacher scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for them.
He won a Premier League, an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Community Shield during his time at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, has been in charge for just over two years and has two trophies to show off, winning the FA Cup last season and the League Cup in his first season.
However, last season Man United finished eighth in the table, their worst result in the Premier League era.
