Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to be appointed as Leicester City’s new manager, according to BBC Sport. The Dutchman will replace Steve Cooper, who was sacked after just 157 days in charge following Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea.
The 48-year-old former Manchester United and Netherlands striker comes into the role shortly after leaving his position as interim head coach at Manchester United. Van Nistelrooy had stepped in following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, overseeing three wins and one draw during his stint. However, he left after learning he would not have a place in new manager Ruben Amorim’s backroom staff.
Notably, two of Van Nistelrooy’s wins with United came against Leicester City, including a 5-2 Carabao Cup victory in the last 16 and a 3-0 Premier League triumph earlier this month.
Leicester City currently sit 16th in the Premier League after 12 games, just one point above the relegation zone. Cooper, who replaced Enzo Maresca in the summer after the Italian joined Chelsea, managed only two league wins during his brief tenure.
Van Nistelrooy’s managerial experience includes a successful season at PSV Eindhoven in 2022-23, where he won the Dutch Cup before joining Manchester United as an assistant coach. His appointment comes as the Foxes seek to stabilize their season and climb out of the relegation battle.
However, the Dutchman faces challenges in winning over a divided dressing room, as reported by BBC Sport. While senior players, including Jamie Vardy, supported Cooper, many squad members were reportedly unconvinced by his methods.
Caretaker manager Ben Dawson is expected to lead Leicester in their next Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday, as Ruud Van Nistelrooy ’s appointment may come too close to the game for him to assume control.
