‘A brilliant fit' - Man Utd icon tipped to replace beleaguered Ten Hag

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag pictured on September 29, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag pictured on September 29, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

‘A brilliant fit' - Man Utd icon tipped to replace beleaguered Ten Hag

Seye Omidiora 12:10 - 01.10.2024

Could the under-fire Dutch manager be replaced by a former Old Trafford superstar?

Erik ten Hag's future as Manchester United head coach is uncertain after a string of poor results. 

Ten Hag and Man Utd’s dispiriting 2024-25

Despite receiving backing from the club in the summer, the Dutchman is now under immense pressure to turn things around following an underwhelming start to 2024-25.

With just three wins in nine games this season, and a dismal 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur adding to the gloom, the United boss is reportedly facing a crucial double-header against Porto and Aston Villa, with failure to deliver positive results potentially leading to his dismissal.

Ten Hag alternative suggested

Interestingly, former Manchester United scout Mick Brown has suggested that Ruud van Nistelrooy, currently an assistant coach at the club, could be a suitable interim replacement if Ten Hag departs.

Brown, who brought Van Nistelrooy to Old Trafford as a player, believes the former striker possesses the qualities to lead the team. 

Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy (R) is currently Erik ten Hag's assistant at Manchester United (Credit: Imago)

“Ruud van Nistelrooy has come in, and I know him, he’s a top-class person,” he told Football Insider. “I was instrumental in signing Ruud. I think he’d be a brilliant fit.

“But at the moment, he can only do what the manager instructs him to do, so we haven’t seen too much of what he’s capable of.

“They’re going to have to do something because I don’t think there’s a long list of candidates out there waiting for the job.

“I think they could give him the job on an interim basis and see how he goes. If he does well, they might end up appointing him to take over on a full-time basis, as there aren’t too many other options out there.“

Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy (R) rejoined Manchester United in the summer of 2024 (Credit: Imago)

Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a prolific playing career at Old Trafford, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances. His managerial experience is more limited, but he did lead PSV Eindhoven to 33 wins in 51 games before departing in May 2023.

While his PSV side were known for their attacking prowess, they also displayed defensive vulnerabilities, conceding 60 goals during his tenure.

What next for Manchester United?

Ten Hag’s men return to Europa League action when they take on Porto on October 3 before travelling to Aston Villa in their next Premier League match three days later.