Leicester City eye Ruud van Nistelrooy as next manager

Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has emerged as the frontrunner to fill the managerial vacancy at Leicester City following the dismissal of Steve Cooper.  

Van Nistelrooy, whose managerial stock has risen after a recent interim spell at Manchester United, is reportedly in advanced talks with Leicester City.

He was thrust into the interim role at United in October after Erik ten Hag’s departure and impressed with three wins in four games, including back-to-back victories over Leicester.

Despite his success, his tenure ended with the appointment of Ruben Amorim as United’s new head coach.

Leicester City parted ways with Steve Cooper on Sunday after a disappointing start to the Premier League season.

The former Nottingham Forest boss managed to secure only 10 points from 12 games, leaving the Foxes in the relegation zone.

Along with Cooper, his assistants Alan Tate and Steve Rands were also dismissed, paving the way for first-team coach Ben Dawson to temporarily take charge.

Van Nistelrooy’s potential appointment is seen as a bold move by Leicester.

The Dutchman’s experience includes a summer stint on Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff and his interim role at United, where his tactical acumen and leadership were praised.

If finalized, Van Nistelrooy will inherit a Leicester squad desperate for revival, with the Foxes looking to regain stability and climb out of the relegation battle.

Leicester City fans will hope that Van Nistelrooy can replicate the sharp instincts he showcased as a prolific striker and bring them into his managerial approach, steering the club toward a brighter future.

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.