Ruud van Nistelrooy linked with a shock return to his former club as he closes in on next job just weeks after Ruben Amorim opted against keeping him at Man United

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been linked with a surprise return to one of his former clubs just weeks after his Manchester United departure.

Van Nistelrooy took charge of four games at Old Trafford following Erik ten Hag‘s dismissal but was not invited to make up part of Ruben Amorim‘s new-look backroom team despite leading the side to three wins and a draw.

The 48-year-old is currently on the hunt for his next job and a number of sides, including several in England, are understood to be eyeing him up. 

But Sky Germany have claimed that Van Nistelrooy is also under consideration for the vacancy at 2. Bundesliga outfit Hamburg.

A prolific striker during his playing career, the Dutchman spent a season at the club between 2010 and 2011, scoring 17 goals in 44 appearances. 

Hamburg parted ways with Steffen Baumgart on Sunday after their 2-2 draw with Schalke, a result that left them eighth in the table. 

Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a successful interim spell at Manchester United but was not kept on

Sky Germany have reported that Van Nistelrooy was also on the club’s shortlist back in February, before Hamburg ultimately moved to hire Baumgart. 

Van Nistelrooy could also be in the frame for the Leicester City hot seat after Steve Cooper was axed in the wake of the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat by Chelsea. 

Mail Sport understands that he pushed for the job last summer. 

Despite leaving United with his reputation enhanced, Van Nistelrooy was said to be devastated after being overlooked by new Red Devils head coach Amorim. 

He stated his desire to stay on several occasions but Amorim ultimately placed his faith in his Sporting coaches, leaving no room for Ten Hag’s short-term successor.

Former Blackburn and Netherlands defender Andre Ooijer, who was on Van Nistelrooy’s coaching staff at PSV and is a close friend, revealed he was gutted.

Ooijer told the Mirror: ‘Ruud wanted to stay as assistant. He would have said something if he wasn’t interested in working with Amorim.  

‘Ruud has had the chance to be manager or head coach at other clubs, but he deliberately did not take those jobs as he wanted to work at the club he loves most.

Ruben Amorim opted to place his faith in his Sporting coaches after arriving at Old Trafford

Van Nistelrooy spent a season at Hamburg during his playing career, scoring 17 goals

‘Don’t forget Ruud did really well at United, a draw against Chelsea and victories in the other three matches. You could tell the fans liked him so much. You only had to watch how they reacted to him after his last match. 

‘He did so well under difficult circumstances. He has stayed unbeaten as a manager.’

Following his United exit, Van Nistelrooy posted a heartfelt message on X, insisting he will ‘cherish the memories’ of his time in charge of the club.

He wrote: ‘To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support. 

‘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.

‘Man United 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! 

‘All the best and take care, Ruud.’