Ruud van Nistelrooy hasn’t just been linked with a return to Manchester United, the club legend has reportedly already been approached and talks are thought to be “advancing fast” as the rebuild under the INEOS regimecontinues.
Even more interestingly, it appears as though he may have dropped a few hints about where he sees his future going of late.
As first reported by Fabrizio Romano on Sunday, van Nistelrooy is said to have been approached by Man United and the recently rejigged executive team this month, with a look to have him join Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff ahead of next season.
Though Romano was the first person to report on the prospective van Nistelrooy-United reunion, the 47-year-old has been talking about potential next steps for his career as recently as March, and many fans are getting excited now they are understood to have advanced.
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As per The Mirror, van Nistelrooy was quoted as saying: “I have had offers from various clubs, also in my own country, but I would love to work in England or in Spain. I want to coach in a league where I have played because I speak the language fluently in those countries.
“In my opinion, I have gained plenty of experience. I have gone through the ranks. I did the younger youth teams at PSV, I was coach of the under-21s and subsequently became manager of the first team.”
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The ex-United and Real Madrid striker, who scored 150 goals in 219 games for the Reds, also went on to note how he helped a number of talented young players including CodyGakpo, Noni Madueke, Johan Bakayoko and Xavi Simons.
Speaking of youth talent, another interesting link has arisen from United’s ongoing pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who van Nistelrooy gushed over at length in his Coaches’ Voice ‘Masterclass’ episode, which spotlighted his significant win over Ajax in the Dutch Cup final.
While it remains unclear what the exact nature of the role would be, it’s clear that van Nistelrooy is more than confident in his own abilities and being a fellow compatriot of ten Hag could be a plus in the column to perhaps become his latest assistant coach.
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However, it could very well be the case that he turned down previous job offers as he’s waiting for a top job at a club in England or Spain as already hinted.
Furthermore, van Nistelrooy went on to add: “It matters to me that it is a well-organised club. I still want to work with young players, but ideally with a mixture of experienced professionals. I want to help them improve and bring a winning mentality. The latter is the most important thing. With my style of football.”
That being said, given it’s been a somewhat turbulent time for Man United recently – a team who are still very much in flux, have only recently confirmed that ten Hag will stay on as manager and are still yet to show a clear way of playing – this could equally cast doubts over a deal being struck.
Manchester United to wear special one-off shirt for important awareness campaign
Danny Jones
Just to pre-empt any Manchester United fans fearing they’re still in total delirium the next time they see that iconic red shirt, we can confirm it isn’t just your rose-tinted glasses deceiving you – the club will be wearing a special one-off shirt with a notable difference very soon.
All eyes may now be on Wednesday, 21 May but this limited edition kit has already caught the eye of many supporters for one very obvious reason.
In case you haven’t seen it for yourselves already, Man United have confirmed that both the men’s and women’s squads will be will be wearing a slight variation on their home shirt for their next two matches as part of a special campaign for an important charitable cause.
Joining forces with their usual primary shirt sponsors Snapdragon and global health campaigners Product RED, this one-off alternative strip will be unveiled on the pitch this week.
Product Red, or simply (RED) as it will read on the jersey itself, is a worldwide charity that’s been working to fight global health crises since 2006.
(RED)’s key aim is to end the AIDS epidemic and related injustices by raising money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
The organisation officially partnered with the club and Snapdragon back in January in an effort to help drive awareness and generate further backing for their work – it just so happens that teaming up with one the planet’s biggest brands and one synomyous with that colour made for the perfect collaboration.
With that in mind, putting together a one-off Man United kit with (RED) slap bang in the middle as is close to a commercial/charitable tap-in as you’re probably ever going to get.
Set to be debuted by Manchester United Women in their WSL fixutre against Arsenal this Saturday, 10 May and then again by Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League the following day (Sun, 11 May); plus, a select few limited edition replicas shirts will be made available for fans to purchase.
Be first in the know, Reds 👀
Get notified when our limited-edition @RED collection drops ⤵️#MUFC || @Snapdragon
It goes without saying that given the nature of the front-of-shirt sponsor swap, these will no doubt become somewhat of a special item among kit collectors from the off.
More importantly, however, the funds raised through selling these one-off Man United shirts will provide much-needed income for the non-profit and their crucial efforts.
The unveiling of the comes not long after the bedlam that ensued inside Old Trafford during the second leg against Athletic Club, in which United booked their return trip back to Bilbao for the Europa League final, leaving plenty of fans of seeing nothing but the colour red ever since.
MUWFC also sealed their spot in the Women’s Champions League next season to with an important point in the Manchester Derby this past weekend, confirming a finish above Man City this year.
Safe to say it’s been a good few days to be a (RED).
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Danny Jones -
24th June 2024 
