Ruud van Nistelrooy appears to be making a significant impact at Manchester United on the practice field as the 2024/25 season approaches. Appointed as Erik ten Hag’s assistant manager earlier this summer, the Dutchman is already imprinting his approach on the training sessions.
At 48 years old, Van Nistelrooy brings prior managerial experience from his time at PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie between 2022 and 2023. This experience could greatly benefit Ten Hag’s team, as Van Nistelrooy contributes his unique strategies and insights. The decision by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other key figures at Old Trafford to bring in a club legend was a smart move. Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for Manchester United, is renowned for his scoring prowess and might enhance the current forwards’ performance.
Van Nistelrooy is already applying his techniques in training. Recent footage shows him leading various drills, leveraging his expertise as one of the most prolific finishers in Premier League history. This influence could improve the goal-scoring abilities of players like Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, and Joshua Zirkzee. One video demonstrated his impact as he urged Rashford to speed up, leading the winger to score with a powerful strike into the bottom corner. Van Nistelrooy’s skill in taking quick shots could be a valuable addition to Rashford’s and others’ game.
Another training session focused on wing play, emphasizing the effective use of flanks. Van Nistelrooy’s drill involved a small-sided game where teams earned double points for goals scored from wide areas. Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy reported from Manchester United’s training camp in the USA, noting Van Nistelrooy’s oversight of an attacking drill centered on repeated patterns. This is promising for fans who are excited to see one of the club’s greatest players shaping the team’s attacking future.
For the 2023/24 season, Manchester United’s top goal scorers were Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund, each netting 10 league goals. Fans are accustomed to prolific seasons from players like Van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney, but recent standards have dropped. Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, who scored seven Premier League goals each last season, will aim to improve under Van Nistelrooy’s guidance. The focus on wing play in training could also enhance their assist numbers if Van Nistelrooy’s training methods prove effective in matches.
