Van Nistelrooy handed Dutch coaching role
Manchester United striking legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is heading to the FIFA World Cup finals later this year.
The Dutchman is linking up with his national team again, after agreeing to become part of Ronald Koeman's coaching team.
He is set to take up the role of assistant coach on 1 February.
Ruud van Nistelrooij will be part of the Dutch national team's coaching staff from February 1. The former striker will join Ronald Koeman as an assistant coach in preparation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) January 16, 2026
Welcome back, Ruud! 🧡#NothingLikeOranje #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/OVlzMrwqXh
Van Nistelrooy, who hit 150 goals in 219 games for United, the 11th-biggest tally in our entire history, was most recently working as manager of Leicester City.
The 49-year-old had a spell in caretaker charge of the Reds in 2024, overseeing four matches, after being part of Erik ten Hag's backroom team for a short spell.
This is not the first time he has worked with the Netherlands, as he assisted Guus Hiddink in 2014, after the nation finished third at that year's World Cup, under Louis van Gaal.
Ruud achieved a satisfying goal-every-other-game ratio at international level in his playing days, netting 35 times in his 70 caps.
The Netherlands have been drawn in Group F at this summer's tournament, which takes place in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Their opponents will be Japan, Tunisia and one of either Ukraine, Sweden, Poland or Albania.
Koeman's side are set to open with a game against Japan on 14 June in Texas.
Best of luck to Ruud in his new role!