Manchester United have announced the appointment of club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake as assistants to head coach Erik ten Hag, bolstering his backroom staff amid a reshuffle.
After securing a new deal, the Dutchman is reshaping his coaching staff and has decided to bring help from his homeland.
Upon the appointment, Erik ten Hag said (via ManUtd.com): “I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff.
“Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”
Van Nistelrooy is a United hero with 150 goals in five seasons. He returns to Old Trafford after a stint managing PSV Eindhoven.
He left the Dutch side in 2023 after finishing runners-up in the Eredivisie and claiming a cup title. He had managed the club’s youth teams, rising through the ranks.
Meanwhile, Hake joins from Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles, where Ten Hag began his managerial career. The 52-year-old brings a wealth of experience.
Ten Hag’s assistants, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy will leave to pursue head coach opportunities.
Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher will remain on staff for continuity. The uncertainty surrounding United’s coaching staff has finally been addressed. Ten Hag can now focus on the upcoming season with a revamped team behind him.
INEOS has been quick out of the blocks to sort out several issues surrounding the club.
A new deal for Ten Hag is in place, and the club hired new CEO Omar Berrada from Manchester City. New directors Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox have come through the door.
Transfers are also progressing well. A bid for Leny Yoro has been accepted. Personal terms are agreed for Matthijs De Ligt, and Joshua Zirkzee is close to landing at Old Trafford.
Man United are desperate to bounce back from an abysmal eighth-place finish and continue to fit all the right pieces of the puzzle in the right places.
