Ruud van Nistelrooy is already making a significant mark at Manchester United during practice as the 2024/25 season nears. Since being appointed as Erik ten Hag’s assistant manager earlier this summer, the Dutchman has quickly begun to influence the team’s training sessions.
Van Nistelrooy is actively applying his techniques during training sessions. Recent footage shows him leading various drills, utilizing his experience as one of the Premier League’s most prolific finishers. His influence is anticipated to boost the goal-scoring abilities of players like Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, and Joshua Zirkzee. In one video, Van Nistelrooy is seen urging Rashford to increase his speed, culminating in a powerful strike into the bottom corner. His expertise in quick shot execution could greatly benefit Rashford and his teammates.
Another training session emphasized wing play and the effective use of flanks. Van Nistelrooy’s drill featured a small-sided game where teams earned double points for goals scored from wide areas. Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy, reporting from Manchester United’s training camp in the USA, highlighted Van Nistelrooy’s oversight of an attacking drill focused on repeated patterns. This is encouraging for fans eager to see one of the club’s greatest players influence the team’s attacking strategy.
In the 2023/24 season, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund were Manchester United’s top goal scorers, each netting 10 league goals. Fans, accustomed to prolific seasons from legends like Van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney, have noticed a decline in recent standards. Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, who each scored seven Premier League goals last season, will be aiming to improve under Van Nistelrooy’s guidance. The focus on wing play in training could also enhance their assist numbers if Van Nistelrooy’s methods prove effective in match situations.
