Ruud van Nistelrooy applies for vacant manager role just days after Man Utd exit

Ruud van Nistelrooy has applied for a vacant manager role, just days after being told he was longer needed at Manchester United.

The 48-year-old, who joined United's coaching staff in the summer alongside fellow assistant Rene Hake, was ushered into the hot seat when Erik ten Hag was sacked last month.

He went on to take charge of four matches across all competitions and stayed unbeaten with three wins and a draw, but his time at Old Trafford came to an abrupt end on Monday.

After not being given a role in Ruben Amorim's backroom staff, Van Nistelrooy penned an emotional goodbye letter to fans.

“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support," he said. "It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together."

He added: “Man Utd will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon - not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it."

Van Nistelrooy has now signalled his intent to continue his coaching career in England, according to talkSPORT, who suggest the Dutchman has applied for the vacant role at Championship side Coventry City.

Earlier this month, club legend Mark Robins was sacked by Coventry after seven years in charge. He was the third longest-serving manager in English football.

"There is no doubt that Coventry City today would not be where it is today without the inspired actions of Mark and his team," a statement from Coventry read.

"The club is well aware that this is a difficult moment after over seven very successful years at the helm and this decision is not taken lightly.

"The performance of the team over an extended period however have just not been good enough and as such the board of the club has decided to make an immediate change in leadership."

Van Nistelrooy took charge of four games at Old Trafford. Image credit: Getty

Van Nistelrooy will face competition from former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, who has also applied for the position, according to Coventry owner Doug King.

"We've received a huge amount of CVs from high-quality people, of which Frank is one," King said this week.

"We've done nothing on that process but clearly we're in the international break, we'll be assessing everything. We'll work out who's going to make the shortlist and we'll go from there."

Thoughts on Van Nistelrooy applying for the Coventry job? Is it a good match? Let us know in the comments.