Leicester City have officially announced the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy as their new manager on a contract running until June 2027. The legendary Dutch striker, known for his prolific career at Manchester United, takes over after the sacking of Steve Cooper.
Van Nistelrooy recently served as interim manager at Manchester United, stepping in after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. During his brief stint, he guided the team to three wins and a draw from four matches. However, his departure followed confirmation that he would not be part of Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans at Old Trafford.
A Fresh Start at Leicester
Leicester, who earned promotion to the Premier League last season as Championship winners under Enzo Maresca, have struggled this term. With just two league wins and a four-match winless run, Cooper’s tenure came to an end. The club identified the 48-year-old Van Nistelrooy as their preferred candidate and moved swiftly to secure his services.
Van Nistelrooy will observe Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brentford from the stands before officially taking charge of the squad. Speaking to the club’s official website, he expressed his excitement:
“I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic. They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club, the supporters, and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive. I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the football club.”
Van Nistelrooy’s Managerial Journey
This appointment marks Van Nistelrooy’s first permanent managerial role in the Premier League. Before his interim stint at Manchester United, he managed PSV Eindhoven, leading the Dutch club to success in the Johan Cruyff Shield and KNVB Cup.
Leicester fans may remember him from recent encounters with Manchester United, as two of his four games in charge included dominant victories over the Foxes in both the Carabao Cup and Premier League.
The new Leicester boss faces a challenging task ahead, with the team looking to recover from their poor start and establish themselves in the Premier League. Manchester United, now under Amorim, are set to visit the King Power Stadium in mid-March, offering a high-profile reunion for Van Nistelrooy with his former side.
SOURCE: 90min.com
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