Manchester United have announced that former player Ruud van Nistelrooy has joined Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.
Van Nistelrooy played for Man Utd from 2001 to 2006 and has become the club's new assistant manager until June 2026, with Rene Hake also joining.
“I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff,” Ten Hag told the club's official website.
“Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”
After retiring in 2012, Van Nistelrooy started his coaching career as an assistant for the Dutch national team before working his way through the ranks in PSV Eindhoven’s academy system.
He went on to become PSV's head coach for the 2022/23 season, winning the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield, before leaving the Dutch side in May 2023.
In an interview with The Coaches’ Voice in June, Van Nistelrooy expressed his admiration for Dutch coaches, including Ten Hag, saying: “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.”
Now the former Dutch international returns to Man Utd as a coach, having first joined the club as a player back in July 2001.
He scored twice on his Premier League debut against Fulham in a 3-2 win at Old Trafford, which set the tone for his time in the top flight.
In total, the Dutchman netted 95 times in 150 league appearances for the Red Devils, winning the league title, Player of the Season award and Golden Boot in 2002/03.
He also won the FA Cup and League Cup during his time with Man Utd before departing in July 2006 for Real Madrid.
Who is Hake?
The 52-year-old is an experienced coach who has managed five clubs in the Netherlands.
Hake recently departed Go Ahead Eagles - the club where Ten Hag's career in management began - and impressed during his two seasons there, having guided them to 9th place in the Eredivise, their highest finish in the competition since the 1970s.
The Dutchman has also taken charge of FC Twente, FC Utrecht, SC Cambuur and FC Emmen.
van der Gaag and McCarthy depart
Man Utd also announced that Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have left the club.
They both joined the club with Ten Hag in the summer of 2022.
“Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a number one position; I want to pay tribute to his fantastic service over the past two years, and also to Benni for his important contributions. We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future,” Ten Hag added.
