Ruud van Nistelrooy: ‘I’m proud, I’m excited to start and give everything I can’

Former United star replaces Cooper on a deal to June 2027

30 Nov 2024

The Guardian - Sport

Ruud van Nistelrooy has described himself as “proud” and “excited” after being confirmed as the manager of Leicester on a contract to June 2027, less than three weeks after he left Manchester United.

Van Nistelrooy will not take charge of today’s game at Brentford and instead will be in the stands at the Gtech Community Stadium as the first-team coach, Ben Dawson, leads the side, supported by the coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes. Van Nistelrooy will be presented by Leicester on Monday and his first game will be at home to West Ham on Tuesday.

The former Netherlands international succeeds Steve Cooper, who was dismissed on Sunday with Leicester 16th, one point above the relegation zone. Van Nistelrooy joined United as an assistant to Erik ten Hag last summer and was placed in interim charge at the end of October after Ten Hag’s sacking. He oversaw three wins and a draw from his four matches. Two of the victories came against Leicester, a 5-2 win in the Carabao Cup being followed by a 3-0 league triumph in his final match in caretaker charge.

“I’m proud, I’m excited,” Van Nistelrooy said. “Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City 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.”

Van Nistelrooy’s previous experience as a first-team head coach came at PSV in the 2022-23 season, where he won the Dutch Cup before resigning less than a month later, citing a lack of support within the club.

Leicester’s chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, said: “Ruud’s experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us, and we look forward to supporting him in achieving success for our fans and our club.”