by Ryan Giggs has insisted that former Manchester United teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy will “bring a lot” to one of Erik ten Hag’s players at Old Trafford.
The 50-year-old Welshman played alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy during his time at Old Trafford and the Dutchman had a devastating impact in the Premier League.
Van Nistelrooy scored an incredible 150 goals in 219 appearances during his five seasons at Manchester United under legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 48-year-old Dutchman took his first steps as a coach after his legendary playing career and was previously head coach of PSV Eindhoven.
Van Nistelrooy resigned from his first coaching position at PSV Eindhoven, despite leading his former team to the Dutch Cup in his first season as coach.
The former United and Netherlands striker was linked with English clubs before making a sensational return to Old Trafford as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.
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Giggs on Van Nistelrooy and ManU star
Ruud van Nistelrooy will join Rene Hake as Erik ten Hag’s assistant coach at Old Trafford for the 2024–25 Premier League season.
Ten Hag saw a shake-up of his coaching staff this summer with the arrival of United legend Van Nistelrooy and former Go Ahead Eagles boss Rene Hake.
Van Nistelrooy was a fan favourite as a player at Old Trafford and his return was welcomed after United’s lackluster 2023–24 Premier League season.
In an interview on the YouTube channel Webby & O’Neill, Ryan Giggs is convinced that former United teammate Van Nistelrooy will be of benefit to players like Marcus Rashford.
“In my experience, there was a certain pattern: with a player, you thought he would definitely be a manager, or he definitely wouldn’t,” he said.
“I think Ruud was always an intelligent footballer. He never missed a pass [him] mind you, especially in the penalty area because… but I mean, what kind of player, a modern-day enforcer, you know?
“I think anyone who played at United during his time will say he is the best finisher they have ever seen. And that is true.
“I think it’s great to have a former player at the club, but you know, he was also a coach himself.
“He will bring more than just, you know, a lot of people say. He will bring a lot to the strikers. He will bring a lot to Marcus Rashford, of course he will.”
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Giggs on Ruud’s possible contribution to Rashford
Marcus Rashford struggled with form and consistency at Old Trafford last season, despite enjoying the support of United boss Ten Hag.
The 26-year-old United star scored just seven goals in 33 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils in the 2022-23 season.
Rashford’s poor performance last season also resulted in the United striker missing England’s participation in the 2024 European Championships in Germany this summer.
Giggs believes van Nistelrooy will benefit players like Rashford beyond their attacking qualities and will help shape his overall style of play at United.
“But also on the defensive,” he continued.
“Because as an offensive player you have to try to find out the weaknesses of the defenders. And as an attacker you also concentrate on the defenders.
“So he will bring a lot not only to the defenders and attackers but to the whole team and I am excited to see him come out of the tunnel again.
“I am sure he will get a great reception and then of course he has to do his job as a coach.”
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