Ruud van Nistelrooy surprises everyone as a top choice to take over from the former England manager
Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is being talked about as a surprise choice for a new managerial job in English football.
Van Nistelrooy joined United’s coaching team under Erik ten Hag last season and even took temporary charge when Ten Hag was let go. After Ruben Amorim was appointed, Van Nistelrooy left Old Trafford and later had a tough time managing Leicester City. He was let go after the team was relegated last season. Since then, he’s been helping out with the Netherlands coaching staff as they get ready for the 2026 World Cup.
Now, the 49-year-old is being considered for a return to English football. TalkSPORT has named him as one of the top contenders for the Bristol City job. The Robins let go of Gerhard Struber in March, and Roy Hodgson stepped in until the season ended. Hodgson has now left, and Bristol City, who finished 12th in the Championship, are searching for a new permanent manager.
Russell Martin, the former Rangers boss, is the favorite, with Portsmouth’s John Mousinho and Steven Gerrard also linked to the role. Van Nistelrooy is seen as a long shot at 16/1, but he still has a chance to become Bristol City’s next boss.
Bristol City is one of five teams in this season’s Championship that hasn’t played in the top flight since the Premier League began in 1992. The Robins last played in the old First Division back in 1979/80 before being relegated.
If Van Nistelrooy takes over, he would join Coventry’s Frank Lampard as one of the few former Premier League winners managing in the Championship. Van Nistelrooy won the English top league once as a player, with Manchester United in the 2002/03 season.