Ruud van Nistelrooy back at Man Utd in revamp of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff

Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have left the club.

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is back at the club (Zac Goodwin/PA) (PA Archive)

Manchester United have named former striker Ruud van Nisterooy and Go Ahead Eagles manager Rene Hake as their new assistant managers.

The pair have been appointed to Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff on contracts until June 2026.

Ten Hag 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.”

Senior first-team coach Steve McClaren and first-team coach Darren Fletcher remain in their roles but Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have left the club.

It marks a return to Old Trafford for Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for United between 2000 and 2006.

He has previously managed Dutch side PSV but resigned at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Hake arrives from Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles, who he led to a ninth-placed finish in his only season in charge last term.

New sporting director Dan Ashworth said: “Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first-team operations and refreshing the coaching staff is an important part of that.

“It’s a particular pleasure to welcome Ruud back to the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player and I know that he and Rene will help reinforce the winning mentality and high standards we are aiming for.”

On Van der Gaag and McCarthy’s exit, Ten Hag added: “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 contribution.

“We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek’s exit has been confirmed, with the Dutch midfielder joining Spanish side Girona on a three-year deal.

United have received 500,000 euros (£420,000) but the deal could rise up to more than €9million (£7.57m) depending on bonuses.

Van de Beek announced his Old Trafford departure on Wednesday, ending a disappointing spell at the club following his 2020 transfer.