Manchester United legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has emerged as the leading candidate for the vacant managerial position at Leicester City following the dismissal of Steve Cooper.
The development comes just weeks after Van Nistelrooy’s brief stint as United’s interim boss ended.
Van Nistelrooy joined Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at Manchester United during the summer but was thrust into the managerial role in October following Ten Hag’s sacking.
Despite leading United to three wins in four matches, including back-to-back victories over Leicester, the Dutchman’s interim position ended with the arrival of Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach.
Leicester City sacked Cooper on Sunday after the former Nottingham Forest boss struggled to make an impact, earning 10 points from 12 Premier League games.
Cooper’s assistants, Alan Tate and Steve Rands, were also relieved of their duties, leaving first-team coach Ben Dawson to lead the team temporarily.
The Telegraph reported on Wednesday night that Van Nistelrooy has become the frontrunner for the Leicester job, with his appointment likely before the club’s weekend clash against Brentford.
The Telegraph said, “The Manchester United legend has held extensive talks with the Leicester hierarchy this week and is set to be confirmed as the replacement for Steve Cooper, who was sacked by the strugglers on Sunday afternoon.
“Van Nistelrooy is crucially available with no compensation after recently leaving United, following an interim spell of four matches in charge after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.
“Leicester have discussed the post with the 48-year-old and, while the club’s hierarchy has been determined to explore a number of options, could appoint the former Netherlands international before the trip to Brentford on Saturday.”
This would mark Van Nistelrooy’s second stint as a senior manager, following an 11-month spell at PSV Eindhoven.
Despite expressing his desire to remain part of United’s coaching setup under Amorim, Van Nistelrooy was not retained. Reports suggest that Amorim did not establish communication with Van Nistelrooy during his interim period.
“Other possible candidates, including former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and ex-West Ham manager David Moyes, have both been ruled out by sources close to Leicester,” the report added.
Van Nistelrooy’s potential move to Leicester has sparked intrigue, given his recent success in stabilising Manchester United during a turbulent period.
Should the appointment be confirmed, hRuud van Nistelrooy tipped for Leicester manager role after United exitRuud van Nistelrooy tipped for Leicester manager role after United exite will aim to rejuvenate the Foxes, who are looking to turn their season around under new leadership.