Ryan Giggs has insisted that former Manchester United teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy will “bring a lot” to one of Erik ten Hag’s players at Old Trafford.
The 50-year-old Welshman played alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy during his time at Old Trafford and the Dutchman had a devastating impact in the Premier League.
Van Nistelrooy scored a whopping 150 times in 219 appearances during his five seasons at Manchester United under legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 48-year-old Dutchman took his first steps into coaching after his legendary playing career and previously served as the head coach of PSV Eindhoven.
Van Nistelrooy stepped down from his first managerial role at PSV Eindhoven, despite leading his former side to the Dutch Cup in his debut season as manager.
The former United and Netherlands striker was linked with English clubs ahead of making his sensational return to Old Trafford as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.
Giggs on Van Nistelrooy and Man Utd star
Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in the Old Trafford dugout alongside Rene Hake as Erik ten Hag’s assistant managers for the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Ten Hag saw a shake-up to his coaching staff this summer with the arrival of United legend Van Nistelrooy and former Go Ahead Eagles boss Rene Hake.
Van Nistelrooy was a fan favourite at Old Trafford as a player and his return was welcomed after United’s lacklustre 2023-24 Premier League season.
Speaking on the Webby & O’Neill YouTube channel, Ryan Giggs is convinced that former United teammate Van Nistelrooy will benefit players like Marcus Rashford.
“From my experience, there was any particular pattern where you look at a player and go, he’s definitely going to be a manager, or he’s definitely not gonna be,” he said.
“I think Ruud was always an intelligent footballer. Never got a pass off [him] mind you, especially in the penalty area because… but I mean, what a player, a modern finisher, you know?
“I think anyone who played around his era at United will say that he’s the best finisher that, you know, they’ve ever seen. And that’s true.
“I think it’s great to have an ex-player at the club, but also, you know, he’s been a coach in his own right.
“He’ll bring more than just, you know, a lot of people are saying. He’ll bring a lot to the strikers. He’ll bring a lot to Marcus Rashford, of course he will.”
Giggs on what Ruud could bring to Rashford
Marcus Rashford struggled with form and consistency at Old Trafford last season, despite receiving the backing of United boss Ten Hag.
The 26-year-old United star only managed to score seven times in 33 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils in the 2022-23 campaign.
Rashford’s underperformance last season also led to the United forward missing England’s Euro 2024 campaign in Germany this summer.
Giggs believes that Van Nistelrooy will benefit players like Rashford beyond their attacking qualities, helping to shape his overall playing style at United.
“But also defensive-wise as well,” he continued.
“Because as attacking players, you’ve got to try and figure out defenders’ weaknesses. And also, as an attacker, you concentrate on defenders as well.
“So, he’ll bring not only a lot to the defenders, lots of the attackers, but the overall team, and again, I’m excited to see, you know, him walk out that tunnel.
“I’m sure he’ll get a great reception, and then obviously he’s got to do the business coaching-wise.”
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