Premier League player’s strong reaction when Man Utd icon quit his job
Ex-Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy started his managerial career with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, where his departure prompted a strong reaction.
Ex-PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare had to be persuaded to return to the club’s training ground after learning that boss Ruud van Nistelrooy had quit his position. The Manchester United legend took the reins at the Dutch outfit between July 2022 and May 2023.
During that period, he guided them to a runners-up spot in the Eredivisie, while the side also claimed the Dutch Cup. Despite the triumph, the one-time Man Utd and Netherlands striker left his position after just one campaign following a disagreement with higher-ups at the club.
While that decision, reportedly, pleased some members if the squad, others weren’t quite so happy. Speaking immediately after van Nistelrooy’s departure, ESPN journalist Milan von Dongen revealed Sangare’s remarkable response.
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He said: “They had to get him out of there to get him back. He was furious about van Nistelrooy’s departure. So there will also be talk within the group of players.”
Shortly after, Sangare secured a transfer away from PSV. The Ivory Coast midfielder was sold to Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest. He’s still a member of the Forest squad – and scored his first goal for the club in the 3-1 win over Leeds United before November’s international break.
Just over a year after departing PSV himself, van Nistelrooy returned to a coaching position with United, where he became Erik ten Hag’s assistant. The dismissal of Ten Hag just over three months later resulted in the former striker overseeing four United fixtures on a temporary basis.
United remained undefeated in those four encounters; grabbing wins against Leicester City (x2) and PAOK, and drawing with Chelsea. Despite that, Ruben Amorim chose not to retain van Nistelrooy within his backroom team, with him departing the club after the Portuguese manager’s arrival.
Van Nistelrooy didn’t remain unemployed for long, taking charge at Leicester City just weeks afterwards. He was given the mission of keeping the club in the Premier League.
But, in his 27 games at the helm, the Foxes secured just five victories and three draws. They finished the campaign in 18th place in the standings, with the Dutchman dismissed this summer.
Following his exit, striker Odsonne Edouard – who was on loan with Leicester from Crystal Palace – criticised van Nistelrooy. The Frenchman failed to make any appearances under him.
Speaking with L’Equipe, Edouard said: “Being a great striker doesn’t necessarily mean being a great coach. At the beginning, I played a little [under Steve Cooper], then things didn’t work out with Ruud van Nistelrooy. I didn’t get along well with van Nistelrooy. I found myself blocked for seven months without playing.”
Van Nistelrooy has remained without a club since departing Leicester. He was linked with the FC Twente position back in September, but that role has since been taken up by John van den Brom.
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