Ruud van Nistelrooy appointed as Leicester City manager to replace Steve Cooper
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Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy served as assistant to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, and served as the interim boss there after ten Hag's dismissal in October 2024.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Leicester City named an “excited” Ruud van Nistelrooy as the club’s new manager on Nov 29, just weeks after his departure from Manchester United.
The Dutchman left the Red Devils earlier in November, after a short spell as interim boss and previously serving as assistant to the axed Erik ten Hag.
Leicester sacked Steve Cooper
“I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic,” said former United striker van Nistelrooy in a club statement.
“They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club and the supporters. The recent history of the club is impressive. I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the football club.”
The 48-year-old has reportedly signed a contract until June 2027.
Leicester shocked the world to win the Premier League in 2015-16, and lifted the FA Cup for the first time five years later. However, the Foxes were relegated from the top tier two years ago before bouncing back at the first attempt under now Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
Two of van Nistelrooy’s three wins in four games as United’s caretaker manager came against Leicester in the League Cup and Premier League.
He moved on from Old Trafford after the arrival of Ruben Amorim as United’s new permanent manager, despite expressing interest in remaining at the club as an assistant.
Van Nistelrooy has had previous managerial experience from one year in charge of PSV Eindhoven in 2022-23, when he won the Dutch Cup, before joining ten Hag’s staff as an assistant coach in July.
He will not begin his role until Dec 1, leaving a caretaker team led by Ben Dawson to take charge of a Nov 30 visit to Brentford, but he will attend the game. The next fixture will be at home against West Ham United on Dec 3.
A prolific goalscorer, van Nistelrooy enjoyed a glorious playing career, most notably at PSV, United and Real Madrid. He scored 349 goals at club level and 35 in 70 appearances for the Netherlands.
Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “Ruud’s experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us, and we look forward to supporting him in achieving success for our fans and our club.” AFP, REUTERS
