Ruud van Nistelrooy backed to be Man Utd manager if Ten Hag is sacked as former employee lifts lid on working with him

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is the United legend whose sniper’s eye for the target once made him the deadliest finisher in football.

His single-minded self-confidence brought 150 goals in 219 games — a century in the first three seasons — and a case to be called Manchester United’s greatest modern-day striker.

As an up-and-coming coach, Van Nistelrooy made such an equally blockbusting impact that two separate Holland bosses made him a key figure in their backroom team.

And one full season as a manager saw PSV Eindhoven win two trophies — before he quit, claiming the club were not backing him enough.

So when Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag brought Van Nistelrooy back to England as assistant boss in July, many hailed Ruud’s return as the best signing of his two-year tenure.

Now, just three games in, gags that Ten Hag had appointed the man who would one day take his job no longer look a joke, after a poor start.

Despite backing from on high, bookies rate the Dutchman as favourite to be the first Prem gaffer sacked and Ruud tops their list to replace him.

And one man who knows Van Nistelrooy better than most says bringing him back was a masterstroke.

Javier Rabanal was working his way through the coaching ranks at Willem II, when he got the call to join the Eindhoven backroom team.

Van Nistelrooy had been hugely impressed when the two met at Under-19 level and quickly added Rabanal, now boss of Independiente Juniors in Ecuador, to his staff.

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The Spaniard admits the focus was on harmony as much as hard work, with the manager demanding team spirit must match a fighting one.

United have been accused of lacking both under Ten Hag — none more so than Marcus Rashford, a misfiring misfit.

As a striker himself, if anyone can get him back on track it is Van Nistelrooy.

Rabanal said: “Ruud had a great connection with the players and it was great to see the relationship he had with everyone, from top to bottom.

“Although he was an elite footballer, a world legend, he is such a humble guy and so calm and unaffected by difficult moments.

“That doesn’t mean he wasn’t demanding but working with him was a pleasure. He was so infectious and created a really positive environment.

“Perhaps another person with that standing in football would have a massive ego. But he just knows how to talk to people and enthuse them.

“What really impressed me was he was available for anything, at any time for anyone and when he spoke, it was with real feeling, and I know he touched the players’ hearts.”

United could certainly do with Van Nistelrooy’s magic touch to get back on an even keel.

Whether that ends with their one-time centre-forward as manager remains to be seen — yet Rabanal is sure his pal will play a huge role.

He added: “Ruud is going to contribute so much. Working with him was a master’s degree in elite football.”