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11th July 2024
04:17pm BST
Ruud van Nistelrooy has returned to Manchester United in a key role.
The Dutch legend is back at Old Trafford after agreeing to become a part of Erik ten Hag's coaching team.
Joining alongside him is Rene Hake, with the pair both signing deals until 2026 to align with Ten Hag's recent contract extension.
Following United's confirmation of the appointment on Thursday, Ten Hag explained the importance of "refreshing" his coaching staff.
Speaking to the club website, he said: "I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff. Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level."
Steve McClaren and Darren Fletcher remain in their roles as coaches. However, the club confirmed that Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have left the club.
"Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a number one position; I want to pay tribute to his fantastic service over the past two years, and also to Benni for his important contributions.
"We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future," Ten Hag added.
Van Nistelrooy is a legend for United fans and his return to Old Trafford will no doubt excite supporters.
Joining for a then-British record fee of £19m from PSV Eindhoven in 2001, Van Nistelrooy won the Premier League, FA Cup, Football League Cup, and FA Community Shield, along with winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in his five years at the club.
He also had an eye for goal, scoring 150 goals in just 219 games for United and became their all-time leading goal scorer in European competitions.
Following an end to his playing days, the Dutchman started coaching the youth teams of PSV before rising to the role of first-team manager where he won a domestic cup double in his one and only season in charge.
It looked as if he was going to be appointed as Burnley manager only to turn down the role and instead move to United, where he will begin work immediately.
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