Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken his first permanent job as a manager since 2023, joining Leicester City.
Leicester confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy as their new manager on Friday evening, replacing Steve Cooper after his ill-fated 14-game spell with the club.
Before moving to the King Power Stadium this week, the 48-year-old most recently spent time with Manchester United.
Van Nistelrooy joined Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff in the summer of 2024 as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looked to turn the club’s fortunes around.
However, Ten Hag was sacked last month and the club’s former centre-forward stepped up as interim manager in his sted.
Ruud only took charge of four games with the Manchester outfit, two of which came against Leicester, but he picked up three wins, one draw and saw his team score 11 games.
Before re-joining Man Utd as a coach, Van Nistelrooy’s last and only permanent managerial job was with PSV Eindhoven.
- READ MORE: Manchester United fans all make same point after Ruud van Nistelrooy joins Leicester City
Why Ruud van Nistelrooy left PSV
Van Nistelrooy spent three years with the Eredivisie outfit as a player and was first made manager of their B team in 2021.
After one year at youth level, the ex-number nine was put in charge of their senior team for the 2022/23 campaign.
The now Leicester manager enjoyed huge success during his one year at the club, winning the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield.
PVS also finished second in the league that campaign, boasting the best attack in the division – 89 goals scored in 34 games.
In turn, Foxes fans may be forgiven for wondering why on earth the Dutchman left the club after such a prosperous debut season.
| Ruud van Nistelrooy record as PSV manager |
| Games: 50 |
| Wins: 34 |
| Draws: 8 |
| Loses: 8 |
| Goals scored per game: 2.45 |
| Goals conceded per game: 1.2 |
Well, The Athletic have now shed some light on the situation, reporting that Ruud cited a lack of support from PSV’s hierarchy as a key reason for his exit.
- READ MORE: Former title-winning Leicester City manager was the reason behind Ruud van Nistelrooy appointment
Leicester City PSR problems could impact Ruud van Nistelrooy
PSV sold some top players – including now Liverpool star Cody Gakpo – when Van Nistelrooy was in charge.
They also failed to match the manager’s ambition on the transfer front – an issue the Foxes must avoid this season.
Leicester have PSR problems that could impact Van Nistelrooy, with their owner already telling players why another manager sacking would be a nightmare.
But with the January transfer window now just one month away, it is already clear Van Nistelrooy will want signings made after what was revealed about his PSV exit.
Abdul Fatawu is out for the season and Ricardo Pereira is also facing a lengthy lay-off after being injured earlier this month.
As a result, it is clear the Foxes will need to sign a winger and a full-back once the winter window opens.
Leicester scouted Omar Marmoush this week and Ruud would no doubt love to have the in-form forward on his books for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.