- Van Nistelrooy has returned to Manchester United as manager 18 years after leaving
- He is part of Ten Hag’s revamped management staff ahead of the new campaign.
- Hugill scored United’s second goal in a 2-0 win over Rangers at Murrayfield
Manchester United youngster Joe Hugill has revealed the influence of Ruud van Nistelrooy in the attacking department following the Red Devils legend’s return to the club as Erik ten Hag’s assistant.
The 20-year-old scored United’s second goal in a 2-0 win over Rangers at Murrayfield on Saturday as Old Trafford secured a victory in their second pre-season game.
Fans would have been excited to see new signing Leny Yoro for the first time, but the encounter also showed the first signs of Van Nistelrooy’s influence on youngsters such as Hugill, who spent part of last season on loan in League One with Burton Albion.
The Dutchman was back in the dugout on Saturday after being appointed as a member of Ten Hag’s revamped coaching staff for the new campaign.
And Hugill revealed that the former PSV boss has been a great source of information even after just a few weeks in charge.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed to Erik ten Hag’s new coaching staff ahead of the new season
Young Joe Hugill said the Dutchman had already been a great source of information.
The 20-year-old scored United’s second goal in a 2-0 win over Rangers at Murrayfield.
“We’ve been doing some shooting drills and he’s been giving us some tips,” he said. “But obviously it’s huge to have Ruud here, especially for people like me who are young and coming up.
‘Having him in the building just to ask questions is huge.
‘We had and lost possession. We were very bad here, so we have to work hard to get it back. And then, when we have possession, we do what a striker should do: fight up front and then, when you’re in front of goal, stay focused.’
Earlier this month, United confirmed Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake as Ten Hag’s new No.2s in a move that saw Mitchell van der Gaag leave the club and Steve McClaren become senior first-team coach.
Forwards coach Benni McCarthy and goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis have also left, while Darren Fletcher, who has handed over his title as manager to Jason Wilcox, has formally joined the first-team coaching staff.
The return of Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 games for United between 2001 and 2006, is what has excited fans the most. Ten Hag, who hopes Van Nistelrooy’s knowledge of the halcyon days under Sir Alex Ferguson will rub off on his players, spoke glowingly of his compatriot after his appointment.
“First of all, his character,” said Ten Hag. “He has taken it so far and is an example for everyone in the team. He will bring some of the Manchester United DNA with that character – a great driver and that is also what he shows as a coach.”
“He has the skills and already has a lot of experience as a coach for the Dutch national team. At PSV (Eindhoven) he played with the U-19 and U-21 national teams, and coached the first team.
Erik ten Hag’s side will face Arsenal in the United States in their next pre-season game next week.
“He has a lot of experience, but he is very young and ambitious and has a lot of determination. With his skills and his intelligence, he will help all the players and the team.”
United’s next pre-season game is against Arsenal on July 28, the first match of their tour of the United States. The Red Devils then face Real Betis on August 1 and Liverpool three days later.
They then return to England for the Community Shield against Premier League winners Manchester City.
