Man Utd legend has a theory behind Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return and claims ‘something’s not quite right’

A former Manchester United striker says there is “something not quite right” about Ruud van Nistelrooy’s much-anticipated return to Old Trafford.

Dwight Yorke, who scored 65 goals in 152 appearances during his four-year spell at United, has given his take on Van Nistelrooy’s arrival as an assistant coach to Erik ten Hag.

Last month, United announced that the former PSV Eindhoven boss would join Ten Hag’s coaching staff ahead of the 24/25 campaign alongside Rene Hake.

And it didn’t take long for Van Nistelrooy to receive praise. After a pre-season victory over Rangers last month, goalscorer Joe Hugill singled out the Dutchman in his post-match interview.

“We’ve been doing a few shooting drills and he’s been giving us a few tips,” said Hugill. “But obviously it’s massive having Ruud here, especially for people like myself who are young and coming up.”

Van Nistelrooy, who played for the Reds between 2001 and 2006, has also been credited for bringing a fresh perspective to the first-team fold.

In fact, he played a ‘crucial’ role in convincing highly-rated youngster Chido Obi-Martin to join from Arsenal this summer following face-to-face talks.

But despite his instant impact, former United striker Yorke has explained why he “doesn’t like the bigger picture” when it comes to the current coaching set-up.

“It’s obvious to everyone what Manchester United would do if they sacked Erik ten Hag and that’s to appoint Ruud van Nistelrooy,” Yorke told BoyleSports.

“It’s really not an ideal situation, if you are the manager. I know Ruud personally and he’s a great guy, he’s got his own ambitions, he’s obviously set that out in the past.

“I can only speak for myself, I don’t really like it when you’re going into a job knowing that if things don’t go well enough for your boss then you can step into that position.

“Something is not quite right about that, in my opinion, because although he’s very professional, I’m sure he’ll go in there and do all his due diligence for the manager and work under the manager’s regime – but I don’t like the bigger picture.”

Image credit: Getty

Image credit: Getty

Yorke added: “I’ve got to be honest. I’d rather sit on the side and be clear in my intention of being a full-time manager.

“I just think the environment is not quite right, even though you’re pushing for the team to win and I’m sure that’s the case with Ruud, but if that doesn’t go well, then there is only one person who’s going to take the blame and be sacked. That is unless Ruud decides to leave if Ten Hag goes, but personally I wouldn’t like to be in his position.

“I’ve seen it with Roy Keane, under Paul Lambert, under the likes of Martin O ‘Neill as well, it wasn’t for Roy Keane to be a number two. And I like to think Ruud is similar in that sense, having said that it’s such a great opportunity to be at United as it’s not easy to turn your back on in any role.”