Ruud van Nistelrooy has made his feelings on Erik ten Hag clear ahead of Man Utd return

Ruud van Nistelrooy has made his feelings clear on Erik ten Hag ahead of potentially linking up with his compatriot at Manchester United.

Van Nistelrooy played for United between 2001 and 2006, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Although the Dutchman abruptly left the club after a row with Ferguson, he has long since apologised to his former manager, and a return to Old Trafford could happen this summer.

That is because, according to reports, Ten Hag has offered Van Nistelrooy a chance to join his backroom staff as a coach.

United are on the lookout for a new member of staff after the departure of attacking coach Benni McCarthy, with the Red Devils icon seen as an ideal replacement.

But there is a complication to the deal, with Van Nistelrooy also in talks with Burnley over becoming their new manager. Vincent Kompany vacated the role when he left Turf Moor to join Bayern Munich last month.

According to talkSPORT, the 46-year-old is keen on a return to Old Trafford - although the club's priority at present is to agree a new contract with Ten Hag.

And he has already made his feelings clear on his fellow Dutchman ahead of taking the United coaching role.

Speaking to The Coaches' Voice earlier in June, the former PSV manager named Ten Hag as part of a list of 'great Dutch coaches' that he has looked up to and taken inspiration from.

He explained: "I love the game, and I love a certain way of playing.

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"At Manchester United, Sir Alex was always pushing us forward. Look forward, play forward, get crosses in, shots on target.

"As a player, I loved the way that made me feel. I wanted to play like that, and I want to transmit that same feeling to my teams, to my players.

"There is a long history of great Dutch coaches, and I have so much admiration for the careers they have had. Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff, Louis van Gaal, Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat, and now of course Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot.

"It is motivational for me to continue learning, to continue improving myself, and maybe one day make the steps to show I am capable of that."

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