RUUD VAN NISTELROOY could be set for an immediate return to the Premier League.
SunSport understands the Dutchman – who impressed during his time as interim Manchester United manager – is one of two leading candidates wanted by Leicester City.
Foxes executives were impressed by the job Van Nistelrooy did at Old Trafford and believe he could be the man to steer the East Midlands club to safety.
The club are now thought to be sounding out the former striker‘s agents over a potential move.
The development comes amid reports that Hamburg are also chasing the former United striker, who turned down the Burnley job in the summer and is regarded by many as one of the brightest young coaches in Europe.
Leicester, meanwhile, are also chasing Graham Potter – who sources say could now be ready to make a return to club management.
The ex-Brighton and Chelsea manager has been out of work for more than a year but could be tempted to return to take a vacancy left by Cooper’s sacking.
Van Nistelrooy, 48, enhanced his reputation in the managerial sphere with a stellar four-game stint as interim Red Devils boss following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
United avoided defeat during his brief stint at the club, where he scored 150 goals in 219 appearances, winning three games and drawing once.
But he was shown the exit door once Ruben Amorim insisted on bringing his own coaching staff over from Sporting Lisbon.
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IN theory at least, the only way is up for Manchester United, writes Charlie Wyett.
We are nearly a third of the way through this Premier League season and it is still staggering to see United lurking in 12th place.
They have managed just four wins with a goal difference of 0. Only Everton, Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored less.
It is certainly not a false position and a point at Ipswich illustrated the massive job that Ruben Amorim faces.
United’s fans sang the name of their new manager throughout the game.
They also gave the players rapturous applause on the final whistle and although this was an improvement on some of the performances this season, the bar has been set pretty low.
The club’s optimistic supporters will see that their team is only six points off the top four. Ultimately, though, it is difficult to see United even reaching last season’s final position of eighth as they look worse.
United’s patched-up defence will improve – and a three-man formation at the back will help them – but you have to wonder where the goals are going to come from. Marcus Rashford struck after 81 seconds and then went missing for the rest of his 68 minutes on the pitch.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were also introduced in that double change midway inside the second half but added absolutely nothing. What a terrible couple of signings they have proved to be and United’s fans would swap both of them for Ipswich’s Liam Delap.
Amorim did not celebrate the Rashford goal and paced around his technical area throughout looking uneasy.
Each time there was a break in play, he called over players for instructions.
Alejandro Garnacho headed over to the touchline on a couple of occasions while there were also words for Diogo Dalot, Casemiro and Jonny Evans.
Amorim, a manager with infectious enthusiasm, will be hopeful he can get his message across to all of the players in the next few weeks.
But the problem for the Portuguese coach is that this was the first of 10 games in the space of 33 days.
What he really needs are spells on the training ground without a midweek game but he does not have that luxury.
Van Nistelrooy is immensely proud of his brief stint in charge of his former club.
He wrote on social media after his departure: “To everyone at Manchester United, 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.
“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.
“Manchester United 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.”
