According to Manchester Evening News, the prospect of Manchester United signing Ruud van Nistelrooy invites a straightforward comparison: he would potentially improve upon Anthony Martial.
Now 48, Van Nistelrooy remains as fit as he was in his playing days and could still contribute effectively in a five-a-side game. However, United's interest lies primarily in his coaching abilities. He is earmarked to join the coaching staff alongside Rene Hake, who may occupy the adjoining sanctuary to the manager's office at Carrington.
This dual Dutch appointment by United raises questions about their revamped coaching structure. Earlier this year, Eric Ramsay departed, and Benni McCarthy's contract situation remains unresolved, leaving room for two new additions.
Van Nistelrooy honed his coaching skills as an assistant under three different Netherlands national team managers. His most recent role was as the manager of PSV Eindhoven. Recently, he was in discussions with Burnley regarding their vacant managerial position.
Currently, Hake remains the manager of Go Ahead Eagles. The appointment of Hake and Van Nistelrooy, unfamiliar names on the bookies' radar before Ineos's decision to retain Ten Hag, suggests a potential compromise between board members and the manager.
Indeed, Erik ten Hag remains the manager, a title emphasized by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who referred to him simply as "the coach" last week. Ineos intends to impose conditions on the dugout leadership, yet Ten Hag, 54, values his autonomy at United and is reluctant to compromise. Both parties are working to align their objectives.
Interestingly, United's off-season inertia has shifted the focus away from Ten Hag. Ineos took 17 days to confirm decisions already made in their end-of-season review, sidelining discussions about the women's team in the process.
Ratcliffe's disinterest in the women's team was evident months ago at the Ineos office in Knightsbridge, where he redirected inquiries about it to Tom Crotty, an Ineos director.
Meanwhile, United's restructuring at the coaching level suggests a fresh approach. While Ten Hag will be supported by compatriots with Eredivisie experience, signaling continuity, the sudden overhaul hints at efforts to reduce his influence following earlier plans to dismiss him. The true test will be tangible improvements next season.
United's priorities include strengthening their defense, midfield, and forward lines, potentially targeting Jarrad Branthwaite, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee. Further signings hinge on funds from player sales.
Additional acquisitions, including a second center-back, a right-back, another forward, and possibly a midfielder, are on United's radar. Last summer's record seven signings included two loan deals, while Luke Shaw's absence prompted Sergio Reguilon's deadline-day arrival. Jonny Evans joined as a free agent.
Ten Hag has stressed the need to deepen the squad. With players like Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Mason Greenwood, and Jadon Sancho potentially available for transfer, United aims to upgrade ahead of a season featuring additional European matches.
This revised version retains all original quotes while improving clarity and correcting grammatical errors, focusing on pertinent details of Manchester United's managerial and player strategy.