- The Dutchman was United interim manager until Ruben Amorim arrived as boss
- But he has now returned to football replacing Steve Cooper at the King Power
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Ruud van Nistelrooy has shared his thoughts after being confirmed as Leicester’s new manager following the dismissal of Steve Cooper.
The Dutchman will watch the Foxes’ clash with Brentford on Saturday from the stands after signing a contract until 2027 to manage the Premier League strugglers.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker, who left his coaching role at Old Trafford earlier this month, will be in the dugout when Leicester meet West Ham at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday.
Van Nistelrooy succeeds Englishman Cooper, who was sacked after just 12 league games at the helm.
And the 48-year-old has broken his silence after making a rapid return to football just weeks after departing United in the wake of Ruben Amorim‘s appointment as the new Red Devils boss.
He said: ‘I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed he is ‘excited’ to be the new manager of Leicester City
The move represents a sensational return to football just weeks after leaving Man United
The Dutchman was interim manager at the Red Devils after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag
‘They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the Club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the Club is impressive.
‘I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the Football Club.’
He was in charge of PSV Eindhoven for the 2022-23 campaign and won two domestic cups, but resigned one game before the end of the Eredivisie season. Ben Dawson, part of Cooper’s coaching staff, will be on the touchline against Brentford.
The ex-Red Devils striker van Nistelrooy took on the role of interim after Erik ten Hag‘s dismissal last month and led the side to three wins and a draw in a successful stint.
He capped off his short tenure with an emphatic 3-0 victory over his new club Leicester and previously stated his desire to stay on at Old Trafford despite being left in the dark about his future.
But Amorim, upon his arrival in Manchester, decided not to keep the Dutchman and instead opted to stick with his own staff as he prepares to take his first match against Ipswich on November 24.
Van Nistelrooy later posted a heartfelt message posted to X, insisting he will ‘cherish the memories’ of his time in charge of the club.
He said: ‘To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.
He replaces Steve Cooper in the King Power dugout after the Englishman was sacked this week
Incoming Man United boss Ruben Amorim had decided not to keep him on the coaching staff
As a player, Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 219 games between 2001 and 2006
‘It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.
‘@ManUtd will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days 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.’
Burnley were reportedly weighing up making a move for the 48-year-old if their form dipped under manager Scott Parker.
Van Nistelrooy had been a leading contender to take over as Burnley boss in the summer.
He ultimately opted to return to Old Trafford as Ten Hag’s assistant, reuniting with the club where he scored 150 goals in 219 games between 2001 and 2006.
