Manchester United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy set for first managerial job with former striker ‘leading candidate’ to replace outgoing boss Roger Schmidt at title-chasing PSV

Manchester United legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy is a ‘leading candidate’ to become the new manager of PSV Eindhoven, according to reports.

Van Nistelrooy is currently in charge of Jong PSV, the club’s reserve side, having previously managed the U18’s for three years until last summer.

The 45-year-old, who also works as an assistant with the Netherlands national team, appears to have impressed club chiefs, with the former Red Devils star expected to replace the outgoing Roger Schmidt.

Having failed to agree a new contract in charge, Ajax confirmed in February that Schmidt with leave the club at the end of the season, with his side currently two points behind league leaders Ajax in the hunt for the Eredivisie title.

According to Dutch news outlet Ed, PSV’s hierarchy believe Van Nistelrooy has done enough to earn the top job.

Reports suggest that Fred Rutten who managed PSV between 2009 and 2012 could also join Van Nistelrooy by assisting him in the dugout.

Rutten, 59, was most recently at the helm of Belgian side Anderlecht before leaving in April 2019, and boasts previous experience as manager of German club Schalke and Dutch sides FC Twente, Feyenoord and Vitesse.

Former Man United star Van Nistelrooy also is said to have the backing of Marcel Brands, the ex-Everton director of football, who will become PSV’s new chief executive in the summer.

However, although Van Nistelrooy now appears in line to get his first big job in football management, the coach appeared to rule himself out of the race to be Schmidt’s successor a month ago.

“I can be clear about that now, I will not go through to the first-team of PSV,” van Nistelrooy told ESPN in February.

“I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. I think we should continue to follow the trajectory that we have agreed upon.

“The ambition and the drive are there, but it is too early now.”