Van Nistelrooy appointed Leicester City coach

Premier League side Leicester City have appointed former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as the club’s new manager.

Leicester announced Van Nistelrooy’s appointment in a statement on Friday.

He will not begin his role until Sunday, leaving a caretaker team led by Ben Dawson to take charge of Saturday’s visit to Brentford, but Van Nistelrooy will attend the game.

The appointment comes weeks after his departure from Manchester United where he served as the club’s interim manager.

The Dutchman left United earlier this month after a short spell as interim manager and previously serving as assistant to Erik ten Hag who was sacked by the club.

Leicester sacked Steve Cooper on Sunday after just 12 Premier League games in charge, with the Foxes 16th in the table and only one point above the relegation zone.

Van Nistelrooy said: “I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic.

“They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the Club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive. I’m excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the football club.”

Leicester City to appoint Van Nistelrooy as coach

Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “It is my pleasure to welcome Ruud to Leicester City. He joins a club with a rich history, passionate supporters, and a talented squad, and we are all excited to see the impact he can have as we embark on this new chapter together.

“Ruud’s experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us, and we look forward to supporting him in achieving success for our fans and our Club.”

Leicester shocked the world by winning the Premier League in 2015/16 and lifted the FA Cup for the first time five years later.

However, they were relegated from the top tier two years ago before bouncing back at the first attempt under now-Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

Two of Van Nistelrooy’s three wins in four games as United’s caretaker manager came against Leicester in the League Cup and Premier League.

The 48-year-old Dutchman has previous managerial experience from one year in charge of PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23.

A prolific goalscorer, Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a glorious playing career, most notably at PSV, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.

The Star