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RUUD VAN NISTELROOY taking the helm at Leicester must be causing quite the stir among lower league managers.
This week at the Northwest Football Awards, for example, Stockport’s Dave Challinor was honored with the manager of the year award, outpacing Pep Guardiola.
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This could be due to the organizers expecting him to be present to accept his accolade, unlike Guardiola.
Nonetheless, his impressive feat of securing two promotions in just 2½ years, lifting a struggling team from the National League to League One—where they currently sit in fourth—is commendable.
Regrettably, despite his managerial journeys at Colwyn Bay, AFC Fylde, and Hartlepool, this would likely not catch the eye of a Premier League club.
It often doesn’t.
Van Nistelrooy attracted Leicester’s interest last summer after a single season with PSV Eindhoven, but ultimately they chose Steve Cooper instead.
Following a brief stint as Manchester United’s interim manager with four matches, he is now stepping into the King Power role as Cooper has been let go.
It should be noted that Michael Carrick similarly had a successful period during his short caretaker role at Old Trafford in 2021.
He secured two wins and a draw, and by the following October, he was managing Middlesbrough.
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High-profile figures excite fans, and Van Nistelrooy certainly fits that bill.
During his tenure at PSV, he secured the 2023 Dutch Cup and finished as league runner-up, but left amid discord with the board over inadequate transfer market support—an early warning.
Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy receives an incredible ovation at Old Trafford, with his future still uncertain
After a year away, he rejoined Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff, which experienced the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.
This was followed by his four games as interim boss.
Interestingly, his first match was a 5-2 Carabao Cup victory against Leicester.
However, that was against the Foxes’ second-string squad, as Cooper prioritized the weekend’s battle against relegation with Ipswich, which concluded in a 1-1 draw.
Van Nistelrooy also delivered a solid 1-1 draw with Chelsea, a 2-0 victory over PAOK in the Europa League, and a 3-0 success against Leicester once more.
While it hasn’t been the most challenging lineup of matches, that draw with Chelsea was particularly uninspiring.
Nonetheless, he injected a spark into the club, and the affection he received from United fans likely resonated with Leicester’s executives observing from the stands.
That admiration was more based on his 150 goals for the club from years past rather than any tactical brilliance showcased during his brief period in charge.
In this era, where image matters, the Dutchman certainly portrays a positive image.
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Consider how Lee Carsley was overlooked as a candidate for the England manager role due to media handling.
If Van Nistelrooy displays his charming side—similar to his demeanor during United press conferences—it’s no wonder he received this chance.
That said, the former striker, now 48, might excel as he leverages insights from collaborating with renowned figures.
Like the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson, whom he openly criticized for not substituting him during the 2006 League Cup final.
There’s certainly a passionate side to him.
Concerningly for Leicester’s management, rumors suggest that Van Nistelrooy’s exit from PSV was not simply a result of insufficient support from upper management.
Reports from the Netherlands hint at a player revolt behind closed doors…
If everything falls into place, his first match in charge could be at Brentford this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Challinor, at 49, is gearing up to face Brackley in the FA Cup.
It seems that if he wants to make a mark in the top tier, he’ll need to do so with Stockport.
