The Leicester boss prepares for an emotional FA Cup clash against his former club, vowing to exploit his insider knowledge.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is set for an emotional return to Old Trafford on Friday night as his struggling Leicester City side face Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round. The Dutch legend, who enjoyed a storied career as a player at United, is now tasked with continuing his former club’s recent struggles—and he believes his intimate knowledge of the Red Devils’ squad could give his team the edge.
Van Nistelrooy, who briefly served as United’s caretaker manager earlier this season, insists he knows Erik ten Hag’s team “inside out” after spending time in the dugout and on the training ground. Speaking ahead of the clash, he said: “I’m glad I don’t have to analyse the Manchester United squad—I’ll leave that to Ruben [Amorim]. We’ve prepared for them, and I know the squad inside out.”
The 47-year-old’s return to Old Trafford marks his first visit since his interim spell in charge, during which he led United to three wins in four games, including two victories over Leicester. Now, as the Foxes’ manager, Van Nistelrooy is relishing the chance to step back into the iconic stadium, albeit in the opposing dugout.
“It’s special to go back there,” he admitted. “I have history as a player, as an assistant, and as a caretaker. My focus is on my players and my team, to get the best out of them and to show what we’re about—in the fight and in the spirit.”
However, Van Nistelrooy’s return comes at a challenging time for Leicester. Since replacing Steve Cooper in December, he has overseen a rocky run of form, with eight losses in 12 games across all competitions. A recent 4-0 thrashing by Everton has left the Foxes mired in relegation trouble, adding pressure to an already difficult task at Old Trafford.
Despite the setbacks, Van Nistelrooy remains determined to turn things around. “We have our own issues,” he said. “We have to look at ourselves. I don’t believe in sequences. You can always win a game after you’ve lost a couple. We want to represent ourselves in the best way possible.”
The FA Cup clash offers a brief respite from Leicester’s Premier League struggles, and Van Nistelrooy is embracing the opportunity. “It’s always welcome,” he said of the cup tie. “We have time enough to recover and prepare. We will do our all to be at our best. It’s never a distraction. To be in this competition is a privilege. It’s a dream for every player to play at Manchester United.”
As Van Nistelrooy prepares to walk out at Old Trafford once again, this time as an opponent, he’ll be hoping his insider knowledge and tactical acumen can inspire an upset—and perhaps reignite Leicester’s faltering season. For Manchester United, the match represents another test of their resolve as they aim to avoid another stumble in what has been an inconsistent campaign.
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