Former interim Manchester United manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has emerged as the early favorite to take charge at Leicester City following the dismissal of Steve Cooper.
Leicester announced Cooper’s departure on Sunday after a disappointing start to the season, with only two wins in 12 Premier League matches. The decision came in the aftermath of a 2-1 home loss to Chelsea on Saturday. The new manager will face the challenge of reviving a team currently sitting 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, and winless in their last four games.
Van Nistelrooy is reportedly a strong contender for the position. The Dutchman previously secured two victories over Leicester during his short tenure as interim manager at Manchester United. This experience, coupled with his managerial ambitions, has positioned him as a leading candidate to replace Cooper.
The Dutchman was also rumored to be in contention for the vacant managerial role at Coventry City following Mark Robins’ departure. Frank Lampard, the former Chelsea and Everton manager, was also linked with the Coventry position and now appears likely to take charge at the CBS Arena.
Van Nistelrooy, a Manchester United legend, is thought to have been waiting for the right opportunity to manage a Premier League club. Several managers in the league, including those at Crystal Palace, Wolves, and Southampton, are reportedly under pressure, which may keep him in England as he eyes a full-time managerial role. Van Nistelrooy previously impressed during his sole season as head coach of PSV Eindhoven before transitioning to an assistant role at Old Trafford.
If appointed, Van Nistelrooy could potentially face his former club, Manchester United, on March 15 when the Red Devils visit the King Power Stadium. This match could serve as a platform for him to prove himself and possibly seek retribution for his past defeats.
Despite the Leicester speculation, Van Nistelrooy is also rumored to be a candidate for a role at Hamburg, one of his former clubs. Reports from Sky Sports Germany suggest he is being considered as a replacement for Steffen Baumgart at the second-tier German side.
Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim has taken over as the new head coach of Manchester United following Van Nistelrooy’s interim tenure. Amorim’s first match in charge ended in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday.
Van Nistelrooy’s next move remains uncertain, but his past success and growing managerial experience make him a strong candidate for a top role, whether at Leicester City or elsewhere.