- Ruud van Nistelrooy managed four games at Old Trafford, winning three
- But Rubén Amorim decided not to stay with the club legend after his arrival.
- Will Rubén Amorim be the savior of Man United? LISTEN NOW: It’s all starting! Available wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes every Monday and Thursday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been linked with a surprise return to one of his former clubs just weeks after his departure from Manchester United.
Van Nistelrooy took charge of four games at Old Trafford following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, but was not invited to be part of Ruben Amorim’s revamped team despite leading the team to three wins and a draw.
The 48-year-old is currently looking for his next job and a number of teams, including several in England, are understood to be eyeing him.
But Sky Germany Van Nistelrooy is also being considered for the vacant position at 2. Bundesliga side Hamburg.
A prolific striker during his playing career, the Dutchman spent one season at the club between 2010 and 2011, scoring 17 goals in 44 appearances.
Hamburg said goodbye to Steffen Baumgart on Sunday after their 2-2 draw against Schalke, a result that left them eighth in the standings.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been linked with a shock return to 2. Bundesliga side Hamburg
Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a successful interim spell at Manchester United but was unable to continue.
Sky Germany reported that Van Nistelrooy was also on the club’s short list in February, before Hamburg finally signed Baumgart.
Van Nistelrooy could also be in the frame on the Leicester City bench after Steve Cooper was sacked following the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.
sport mail understands that he lobbied for the job last summer.
Despite leaving United with his reputation improved, Van Nistelrooy was said to be devastated after being overlooked by new Red Devils head coach Amorim.
He expressed his desire to stay on several occasions, but Amorim finally placed his trust in his Sporting coaches, leaving no room for Ten Hag’s short-term successor.
Former Blackburn and Netherlands defender Andre Ooijer, who was part of Van Nistelrooy’s coaching staff at PSV and is a close friend, revealed he was devastated.
Ooijer told the Mirror: ‘Ruud wanted to stay as an assistant. I would have said something if I wasn’t interested in working with Amorim.
“Ruud has had the opportunity to be a coach or head coach at other clubs, but he deliberately did not accept those jobs because he wanted to work at the club he loves the most.
Rubén Amorim opted to trust his Sporting coaches after arriving at Old Trafford
Van Nistelrooy spent one season in Hamburg during his playing career, scoring 17 goals.
“Let’s not forget that Ruud did very well at United, a draw against Chelsea and victories in the other three games. You could see that the fans liked him a lot. You just had to see how they reacted to him after his last game.
‘He did very well in difficult circumstances. “He has remained undefeated as a coach.”
Following his departure from United, Van Nistelrooy posted a heartfelt message about X, insisting he will “cherish the memories” of his time in charge of the club.
He wrote: “To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, particularly the coaching staff, players and fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.
“It has been a privilege and honor to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.
“Man United will always have a special place in my heart and I hope that there will be many more days of glory at Old Trafford very soon, not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it.”
“All the best and take care, Ruud.”
