Van Nistelrooy gushes over Utd’s ‘fantastic talent’ to Schmeichel, he has ‘so much potential’ – fans will be thrilled

Manchester United are renowned for their ability to develop young prospects into world-class talents, and, when it comes to attackers, there are few better coaches you could acquire than Ruud van Nistelrooy to instil his expertise in the players.

The Dutchman has been doing exactly that since he was appointed to Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff in the summer, having already enjoyed an impressive managerial stint of his own with PSV Eindhoven from 2022 to 2023.

Widely regarded as one of the most prolific goalscorers in history, Van Nistelrooy left Old Trafford with 150 goals to his name in just 219 matches, as well as being their all-time European top scorer.

Therefore, if a player has got his seal of approval, chances are he’s got some clinicality stored in his locker.

One member of the squad who’s already caught Van Nistelrooy’s eye is Rasmus Hojlund – Ten Hag’s first-choice No.9, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. When fit, he’ll slot straight back into the starting XI and have Joshua Zirkzee as his backup.

Read more: United’s ‘pure talent’ has already shown Ten Hag in just 171 minutes why he must be a concrete starter – opinion

What Ruud thinks of Rasmus

Peter Schmeichel detailed a brief conversation between himself and Van Nistelrooy recently, in which the ex-centre-forward poured praise onto young Hojlund.

“He is a fantastic talent,” Schmeichel said of his compatriot, via Tipsbladet. “The possibilities that lie within him are at the highest level.

“Now Ruud van Nistelrooy came in and I spoke to him briefly. He says there is so much potential in this. If he can help him…”