Ruud van Nistelrooy interest building as German club seeks new manager

Ruud van Nistelrooy sounds like a wanted man after being released as a coach by Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim decided to bring his coaching staff from Sporting CP, even though Van Nistelrooy was willing to remain as assistant after a four-game spell as interim manager.

The 48-year-old returned to Old Trafford in the summer to become one of Erik ten Hag’s assistant managers, but things didn’t work out for the Dutchmen and both have departed since.

Ten Hag’s dismissal led to Van Nistelrooy becoming interim boss and he oversaw three wins and a draw to help stop the rot.

It was reported that Van Nistelrooy almost immediately applied for the Coventry City job following Mark Robins’ sacking, which if true, tells us he is keen to get back to work as soon as possible.

Hamburg interested in Ruud van Nistelrooy

Van Nistelrooy had been linked with plenty of managerial jobs in the summer before he returned to United. At the time, he said he couldn’t say no to coming back.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the former PSV Eindhoven coach linked with the Leicester City job following Steve Cooper’s sacking on Sunday with the Foxes sat in 16th spot following an expected 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

However, Sky Germany claim Van Nistelrooy could already have an offer on the table to return to management after his short stint back at Old Trafford.

German second-division side Hamburg parted ways with Steffen Baumgart on Sunday following a 2-2 draw with Schalke.

According to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg, Van Nistelrooy is on Hamburg’s radar as they search for a new appointment.

🚨🔷 Excl | Hamburger SV are considering Ruud van Nistelrooy ✔️

Following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, #HSV are now exploring several options.

48-year-old van Nistelrooy (formerly a striker at HSV) is on the list and has already been discussed internally. Van Nistelrooy… pic.twitter.com/hYYI8BQ9cP

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 24, 2024

It is understood the former United and Real Madrid striker has been discussed internally amongst club officials. He was said to have been a club target in February when the club decided to opt for Baumgart instead.

Van Nistelrooy spent two years at Hamburg as a player during the latter stages of his career, scoring 17 goals in 44 outings.