Man United fans warned 48-year-old Erik Ten Hag will replace within two years

Manchester United are reportedly ‘preparing’ Ruud Van Nistelrooy to replace Erik Ten Hag within the next two years.

The former Red Devils striker returned to the club this summer after agreeing to become one of two assistant coaches under Erik Ten Hag.

Van Nistelrooy has been tasked with getting the best out of United’s young attackers, which now includes Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee, recently signed from Bologna for a reported £35m, and the impact of his performances is already being felt.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy would take over from Erik Ten Hag

However, according to a recent report from Football Transfers’ Steve Kay, a new and even bigger role could be in the offing for the 48-year-old.

Kay, who first broke the news that Jurgen Klopp was leaving Liverpool, claims Van Nistelrooy was offered the United job but turned it down, with Ten Hag signing a two-year extension.

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United have agreed a more coaching role and are grooming the Dutch assistant manager to succeed Ten Hag in 2026.

“Make no mistake, Ruud will be the manager of Manchester United within the next two years,” a source told Kay.

During his time at Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy, who also represented his country 70 times, scored 150 goals in 219 games and won three major trophies, including the 2002–03 Premier League.