As Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim period as Manchester United’s manager approaches its end, Paul Scholes has voiced his belief that the Dutch football icon is naturally suited for a head coaching role. Scholes feels van Nistelrooy possesses both the skill and leadership qualities to excel as a full-time manager, expressing that the former PSV Eindhoven boss deserves more than an assistant position. With Ruben Amorim set to take charge at Old Trafford on November 11, questions loom over whether van Nistelrooy will continue with United or seek a new managerial challenge.
Manchester United extended their unbeaten run to three matches under van Nistelrooy with a convincing 2-0 win over PAOK in the UEFA Europa League. Amad Diallo’s two goals sealed the victory, further highlighting the positive impact of van Nistelrooy’s brief tenure. Scholes, an outspoken supporter of his former teammate, argued that the Dutchman has demonstrated his capability as a leader in these recent games and has what it takes to be a successful head coach.
Reflecting on van Nistelrooy’s potential, Scholes explained, “When you see him on the sidelines, there’s that passion there. He even dresses like a manager. He looks like a manager.” Scholes pointed out that van Nistelrooy’s experience and enthusiasm make him well-suited for a head coach role, noting that being in an assistant position could ultimately lead to frustration. Scholes added, “I’m pretty sure he must have the bug back to be a manager. Going back to being an assistant, it must be quite difficult because you’ll be frustrated.”
A Track Record of Success
Van Nistelrooy’s managerial background includes a successful stint at PSV Eindhoven, where he worked his way up from youth-level coaching to lead the senior team as head coach. In his first season, he guided PSV to victory in the KNVB Cup, an accomplishment that only solidified his credentials. However, he chose to step down at the end of the season, taking a break before joining Manchester United as an assistant coach under Erik ten Hag.
Having watched van Nistelrooy closely over the years, Scholes believes his former teammate has grown into a manager with a winning mindset and the tactical insight necessary for success at the top level. “I think he should be a manager,” Scholes asserted. “Just watching these three games, he did well in Holland; he won the Dutch Cup. He won other things. He just looks like he’s made to be a manager to me. I don’t think he should be anybody’s, not puppet, but I think he’s better than being an assistant manager.”
Player Support for van Nistelrooy
Van Nistelrooy’s positive impact has not gone unnoticed among the players, with Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana expressing his desire for the Dutchman to remain part of the club’s backroom staff. Onana was quick to praise van Nistelrooy, calling him an “amazing” coach who has made a significant difference in the team’s dynamics.
When asked about his thoughts on van Nistelrooy staying on, Onana responded, “100% [I’d like him to stay]. He’s a very good guy, a very good coach. He is helping us a lot. He has so much experience. He’s been doing amazing since he’s been here.” Onana’s endorsement highlights the respect van Nistelrooy has earned among United’s players in a short time as interim coach. “He’s different, but it’s fantastic what he’s doing, and the players are happy,” Onana added.
Yet, Onana also acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies with the club’s management. “At the end of the day, it’s not something we can decide, because the club makes the decision, and we have to accept that this has to be between him and the club,” he said, indicating that van Nistelrooy’s fate remains uncertain.
The Decision for Amorim and United
With Amorim set to begin his tenure at Manchester United, van Nistelrooy’s future with the club is up in the air. Scholes, however, feels that Amorim, rather than the club’s owners, should have the final say in whether van Nistelrooy stays on the coaching staff. Scholes explained, “I think it should be down to Amorim. If he thinks he’d be useful to keep him around as part of his staff, then yeah, why not?”
Nevertheless, Scholes also pointed out that van Nistelrooy may be contemplating his next steps. “You also have to think about Ruud. What does he want? Does he want to be very close to the manager?” Scholes questioned, adding that if Amorim plans to bring his own team, van Nistelrooy’s role could be diminished, which may not align with his ambitions. “If he’s bringing three or four people in, then it will be a role that will go a little bit down in the pecking order and something he might not be interested in,” Scholes observed.
The former United midfielder’s comments reveal his belief that van Nistelrooy should not be relegated to a secondary role, as he has the talent and temperament to succeed as a head coach. While van Nistelrooy has shown he can excel in an assistant role, his interim stint has demonstrated his potential to lead, something Scholes believes could be stifled if he stays in a supporting position.
A New Chapter for van Nistelrooy?
With his interim spell nearing its conclusion, van Nistelrooy must decide whether he is content with a backroom role or if he is ready to pursue a head coach position elsewhere. His impressive track record and recent performances as United’s interim manager suggest that he may be inclined to continue as a head coach rather than as an assistant. Scholes’ comments have added fuel to the speculation, emphasizing the Dutchman’s leadership qualities and his undeniable passion for the role.
Meanwhile, Amorim’s arrival signifies a new era for Manchester United, one that could potentially see the Dutchman moving on in search of a new managerial position. Should van Nistelrooy decide to leave, he would not be short of opportunities, with his success at PSV and his steadying influence at United enhancing his reputation as a capable manager.
As the days count down to Amorim’s official start at Old Trafford, all eyes will be on van Nistelrooy. Will he choose to remain as part of United’s setup, supporting Amorim’s project, or will he seize the opportunity to lead a team on his own? With his track record, respect from players like Onana, and vocal support from Scholes, van Nistelrooy finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career. The decision he makes could very well shape the next phase of his journey in football management.
