Exclusive: Man United players key to Van Nistelrooy agreeing ‘shock’ deal
Man United players’ response to Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s interim spell played a key role in his imminent appointment as the new Leicester City boss, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the players at Old Trafford enjoyed their time working under the Dutchman and still think highly of him.
Football Insider reported early on Thursday that Van Nistelrooy has agreed terms with Leicester after first revealing on Tuesday morning that he was in talks to take over at the King Power, and had supplanted Graham Potter and David Moyes as the favourite for the vacant post.
Potter had been the strong early favourite after Cooper’s dismissal, so the appointment of Van Nistelrooy, a manager with only very limited dugout experience in the Premier League, will be seen as a shock in many quarters.
After complaints were made by the players about Steve Cooper, the Leicester board were keen to bring in an attack-minded coach who can quickly get the players on side.
Football Insider revealed on 24 November that Cooper was sacked after an owner-led dressing room inquest, in which major players labelled his tactics “a disgrace”.
As a result, a manager who could win the players over and keep them happy with their style of play became a priority.
Van Nistelrooy’s United side beat Leicester twice during his interim spell – 5-2 in the Carabao Cup and 3-0 in the Premier League – which may also have impacted their decision.
His success as the Leicester manager, though, will be judged on whether or not he can steer them clear of relegation come the end of the season.
Man United players key to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester appointment
Sources told Football Insider as early as September that Cooper was struggling to win over the players, and they are desperate to avoid a repeat situation.
This belief was echoed by the Leicester board, who decided his ability to form strong relationships and command the respect of the players would be key to his success.
Meanwhile, his impressive CV also played a key role in his hiring despite initial concerns about his lack of experience in top-level management and in the Premier League.
Van Nistelrooy’s first job in management was with PSV Eindhoven, where he led the side to win the 2022 Johan Cruyff Shield and the 2022-23 KNVB Cup before resigning from the position.
Thanks to his strong relationships at Man United, Football Insider revealed that his former colleagues could join his backroom staff ahead of the trip to Brentford on Saturday.
In other news, major points deduction update from Leicester.
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