Ruud van Nistelrooy has had a rough time as Leicester City manager, with the Foxes seemingly destined for relegation this season.
Wolves’ 2-1 win against Southampton this weekend currently leaves Leicester nine points off safety, with Van Nistelrooy tonight facing his former side in Manchester United in what is a huge game for the East Midlands side.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 17 |  WolvesWolves | 29 | 7 | 5 | 17 | 40 | 58 | -18 | 26 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 29 | 3 | 8 | 18 | 28 | 62 | -34 | 17 |
| 19 |  LeicesterLeicester | 28 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 25 | 62 | -37 | 17 |
| 20 |  SouthamptonSouthampton | 29 | 2 | 3 | 24 | 21 | 70 | -49 | 9 |
With United’s form after a midweek game surprisingly good, Leicester face a big task tonight at the King Power Stadium in trying to breathe any sort of life into the Premier League survival bid, which at this stage of the season is looking all-but over already.
Yet that doesn’t mean Van Nistelrooy’s tenure at Leicester has been a complete failure, and one player in particular has taken a real shine to the former United striker since his arrival at the Foxes.
Abdul Fatawu hails Ruud van Nistelrooy as a father figure at Leicester
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Abdul Fatawu shared how Van Nistelrooy has acted like a father figure during his recovery from an ACL injury, something the Leicester manager went through during his career before moving to United and becoming a legend in the Premier League.
Fatawu said when asked about the impact the Dutchman has had throughout his road to recovery: “Ruud has been like a father to me, I knew his history as a player but he’s also been a good friend, always helpful and there for me.
“He talks to me about what happened in his career. He went through the same thing. He tells me his injury was the time that made him who he is today. He became even stronger and says it can happen to me too. I just need to focus.
“I’d be so happy to get the chance to play for him. He has shown so much interest in helping me as an injured player, imagine what it would be like if I can play and help the team. I can’t wait for him to develop me as a footballer.”
When could Abdul Fatawu return from injury for Leicester?
Fatawu ruptured his ACL in the November international break with Ghana, with the winger since missing the majority of the season with Leicester having started the campaign in a positive manner with the Foxes.
And the 21-year-old could be back in action sooner rather than later, with Leicester fans impressed with Fatawu’s recovery after the winger posted a series of encouraging videos of himself in training and working his way up to fitness.
Indeed, it might still be a long wait for Fatawu to make his Leicester comeback given the nature of his injury, but the winger has proven himself to be a fighter, and supporters would love to see the youngster back in action under Van Nistelrooy.