Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is currently part of the Netherlands’ coaching staff ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is one of the leading candidates for a surprising managerial job in English football.
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Van Nistelrooy joined United’s coaching staff under Erik ten Hag at the start of last season, before taking over as interim manager after the Dutchman was sacked. The former striker chose to leave Old Trafford after the appointment of Ruben Amorim, and then had an unsuccessful spell at Leicester City.
Van Nistelrooy was fired at the end of the season after the “Foxes” were relegated. Since then, he has joined the Netherlands coaching staff under Ronald Koeman, who are now preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
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– Considered for a surprise return to England
According to talkSPORT, the 49-year-old is being considered for a surprise return to English football – as one of the leading candidates for the vacant job at Bristol City.
The “Robins” sacked Gerhard Struber in March and put former England boss Roy Hodgson in as interim manager for the rest of the season. Hodgson, 78, has now left his brief role after the Championship regular season is over. City, who finished in 12th place, are looking for Struber’s permanent replacement.
Former Rangers boss Russell Martin is currently the favorite for the role. Portsmouth manager John Mousinho and Steven Gerrard are also linked with the job.
– Could be second Premier League winner in the Championship
Bristol City are one of only five teams in this year’s Championship – along with Millwall, Wrexham, Preston North End and Oxford United – that have not played in the top division since the Premier League was formed in 1992. (Millwall are in the play-offs this season under Alex Neil, though.)
The “Robins” last played in the old First Division in the 1979/80 season, when they were relegated with one game left to play.
If Van Nistelrooy were to replace Hodgson at the helm, he would also take over from Coventry manager Frank Lampard as the only former Premier League winner to be manager in the Championship. The former Manchester United striker won the league once as a player – in the 2002/03 season.
