Erik ten Hag and members of his Man Utd squad are back at Carrington for pre-season training (Image: Getty)
Manchester United are poised to welcome two new faces as they kick off their pre-season preparations. Several players, including Marcus Rashford, were spotted returning to Carrington today (Monday) for pre-season testing.
However, it wasn’t just familiar faces making an appearance. Ruud van Nistelrooy, a Red Devils legend, was seen arriving at Carrington, fuelling rumours of his imminent appointment as one of Erik ten Hag’s assistant coaches.
He was accompanied by Rene Hake. Hake, the former manager of Go Ahead Eagles, is also set to join Ten Hag’s coaching team in a significant shake-up.
Although his move has not been officially announced, Hake has virtually confirmed his switch.
Speaking to Voetbal International, Hake said: “The feeling I have is difficult to describe, but this is, of course, a great opportunity for me. Working in the biggest league in the world, at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“It is also a wonderful reward for me. The fact that I can go to the top of the world from Go Ahead Eagles is unique. Of course, I am grateful to Erik for this opportunity, but it is not about us knowing each other well. We just have to do good work.
“Erik has a role in mind for me, we discussed that. As in any staff, all tasks are divided among the assistants.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy is poised to join Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd staff (Image: Getty)
Wesley Sneijder has spilled the beans on Van Nistelrooy’s impending move, confirming: “They are both good coaches. Slot did an amazing job with Feyenoord and at United, they are very confident with Ten Hag.
“He has extended his contract, also Ruud van Nistelrooy, I just got the news that he will be involved. So I think they can do a big job because they have amazing players at United. There has to be a team, they need time.”
United fans could soon be celebrating more than just the anticipated confirmation of Van Nistelrooy and Hake’s arrival, as the club is reportedly close to clinching their first summer signing.
Joshua Zirkzee, the Bologna striker, is said to be on the brink of joining the Red Devils.
An agreement for Zirkzee’s transfer is apparently in place, with personal terms and agent fees sorted. Now, it’s down to United to decide if they’ll trigger the release clause in his Bologna deal or try to haggle with the Serie A outfit.
Amidst this transfer buzz, Rashford’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. Reports last week suggested that while United are keen to retain the forward, they’re not shutting the door on potential offers.
Post-season discussions are expected between Rashford and United’s new sporting director Dan Ashworth, especially after a seemingly strained season with boss Ten Hag.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1920321/Man-Utd-news-preseason-training