Van Nistelrooy Set To Become New Leicester Manager

Manchester United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy is on the verge of becoming Leicester city new manager, as he is expected to accept an offer from struggling English Premier League side to become their new gaffer as Steve Cooper’s successor.

Negotiators have been talking with the former Real Madrid striker this week and have made progress, but there’s still work to do and no deal yet.

Leicester sacked Cooper after their 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Saturday, ending his five-month tenure at the King Power Stadium.

Read Also: Rangers International Renews Manager Ilechukwu’s Contract

First team coach Ben Dawson assisted by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes  has been taking training this week ahead of the trip to Brentford following the sacking of Cooper.

The former Real Madrid star has been exploring opportunities to become a number one and Sky Sports News understands he had a number of offers from other European clubs.

Leicester had considered the former Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg boss Niko Kovac and the current West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan as possible candidates, but have now decided Van Nistelrooy is their preferred choice.

Club owner Aiyawatt Shrivadhannaprabha, known as “Top,” personally took the decision to appoint the new manager. Director of football Jon Rudkin prepared a list of candidates.

Van Nistelrooy joined Manchester United as assistant manager this summer.

The 48-year-old Dutchman stepped in as interim manager for Manchester United in October following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. During his short tenure, he led the team to three wins and a draw in four games. His impressive run included a 5-2 Carabao Cup victory and a 3-0 Premier League win over Leicester City.

However, Ruben Amorim’s appointment as permanent manager cut short his time at the club.

Leicester are 16th in the table, one point above the relegation zone, having earned promotion back to the top flight under Enzo Maresca, who left to join Chelsea in the summer.

He previously held talks with Burnley over replacing Vincent Kompany before he joined Ten Hag’s coaching staff.

His only managerial job to date was at PSV, where he won the Dutch Cup in his sole season at the helm.

If announced, Van Nistelrooy is expected to coach Leicester against Brentford on Saturday.