Ex-PSV Eindhoven boss Van Nistelrooy has been touted as at least a potential interim option for the Red Devils ever since returning to Old Trafford this summer as part of compatriot Ten Hag’s new backroom staff.
The current manager is clinging onto his job, which is safe for now after 21-year-old Hojlund scored his first Premier League goal of the season in Manchester United’s 2-1 comeback win over Brentford on Saturday (October 19) for their first league victory since September. Ethan Pinnock’s emphatic header put Thomas Frank’s side ahead just before half-time, before Alejandro Garnacho put the Red Devils level in the second half.
Hojlund’s slick chipped finish past Mats Flekken earned his side three points as well as comparisons to Van Nistelrooy’s fox-in-the-box tendencies, thanks to his sumptuous goal. But the Denmark international was quick to reject comparisons to the iconic striker, before then shedding light on his abilities as a coach.
Danish hitman Hojlund said: “A Van Nistelrooy finish? I don’t want to be compared to him. If you want to talk about him, he is a role model for us. I can develop a lot alongside him.”
Hojlund – who ended his debut season in Manchester as the club’s top scorer with 16 goals across all competitions – has the perfect individual to learn from in Van Nistelrooy as he showered the Old Trafford icon with praise.
“Working very close with Ruud van Nistelrooy is a big step for me,” Hojlund stated. “He is doing a great job. I’m trying to bring everything I can every time I step on the pitch, especially here at Old Trafford.”
Hojlund’s comments on the former Dutch international comes on the back of a recent report from The Daily Star that suggested Van Nistelrooy would be a popular appointment with the United dressing room should Ten Hag eventually go.
If Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos ultimately decide a change in the managerial position is needed, it’s been said that players would even push for the ex-PSV head coach to succeed his compatriot, at least on a temporary basis.
The 48-year-old remains a popular figure in both the dressing room and across the United fanbase. And the former Premier League title winner is thought to be open to replacing Ten Hag if he loses his job.
Thomas Tuchel is no longer available, given The FA have appointed the German as England’s new head coach. Meanwhile, another target – recently departed Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate – has maintained he wants to take an extended break from management. Brentford boss Frank, meanwhile, lost what could be described as an audition for the job, although his team were unlucky not to come away with a point at Old Trafford.
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